Home Care Cuts For Veterans Spark Concern Among Texas Democrats

A group of Texas Democrats in the House of Representatives is calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reevaluate reductions to reimbursement rates for home care services, fearing these will lead to devastating home care service cuts for Texas veterans.

Under the Calendar Year 2026 (CY26) VA Home Care Fee Schedule, the VA revised its payment structure for certain home care services in Texas by replacing geographically based reimbursement rates with a uniform statewide rate. As a result, some rural areas of Texas could see reimbursement cuts of up to 43% under the new fee schedule.

Lawmakers are concerned this change will hurt rural areas, like much of Texas, because providers face added costs from travel and caregiver recruitment in areas with workforce shortages.

“These policy changes mean one thing – cutting services for disabled veterans,” Representative Marc Veasey (D-TX) said.

The group of lawmakers, led by Rep.Veasey, issued a letter earlier this week asking the VA and Secretary Douglas Collins to give a detailed analysis of the method used to determine these cuts, as well as to engage directly with veterans, caregivers, providers, and rural healthcare stakeholders before implementing future policy changes.

“It is unconscionable that American veterans who depend on home care to preserve their independence and quality of life will be forced to fend for themselves,” Rep. Veasey said. “Let’s be clear – these heroes who have bravely served our nation earned these benefits.”

The group highlighted recent survey data that shows nearly 300 home care providers across Texas are experiencing increasing challenges in delivering care to veterans. Over 86 percent of providers indicate that these recent rate reductions have negatively impacted their operations.

According to the letter, there are now more reports of reduced authorized care hours for veterans who need in-home support services. In some cases, Texas veterans are receiving these reductions in care without seeing any improvements in their medical condition or daily functioning.

“These reductions pose risks to veterans’ safety, independence and overall quality of life, potentially leading to increased hospitalizations and the need for institutional care,” the group wrote.

Specifically, the lawmakers are asking for the VA to restore reimbursement rates, provide greater transparency on its methodology, reconsider service reductions, and engage with veterans and healthcare stakeholders before making future changes. Secretary Collins and the VA have until July 10 to respond.

“We must uphold our promise to stand by those who wore the uniform and put their lives on the line to defend our freedom,” Rep. Veasey said.