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VA's Rural Veterans: Transforming In-Home Care and Access

VA's Rural Veterans: Transforming In-Home Care and Access

Published 2 weeks ago
Description
**Title: Major VA Updates: Fee Schedule Controversy, LA Campus Lease Terminations, and Dental Care Expansion**

**SEO Optimized Podcast Episode Description:**

Dive into the latest developments affecting veterans' care in this episode of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs podcast, hosted by Mortimer. Join us as we unravel the critical stories making headlines under VA Secretary Doug Collins’ leadership.

First, we explore a brewing controversy in rural Texas over the VA's 2026 fee schedule cuts for in-home health aides. Witness as Congressman Vicente Gonzalez challenges Secretary Collins, arguing that the reduced reimbursement rates—from $67 to $38 per hour—endanger the independence of 15,000 veterans relying on these vital services. Discover the implications for underserved areas like rural Texas and New Mexico, and follow Gonzalez's Congressional testimony demanding a new VA medical center in South Texas.

Shifting our focus to the West Coast, hear about the VA's lease termination on its expansive West Los Angeles campus. This includes controversial terminations involving the Brentwood School and others, fulfilling a mandate for a National Center for Warrior Independence. Secretary Collins accuses leaseholders of underpaying taxpayers by $40 million annually, sparking debates and mixed reactions from veterans, while the VA appeals a federal court order for over 2,000 housing units.

On a brighter note, Secretary Collins is spearheading an initiative to expand dental care access for veterans. With a new Request for Proposals, eligible veterans may soon choose their providers, potentially revolutionizing oral health care.

We'll also discuss the latest cost-of-living adjustments for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, providing much-needed relief to the families of fallen veterans. As these issues stir conversation on social media, join us to see why #VetsFirst is trending and how veterans split over these critical changes.

Don't miss a beat—subscribe to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs podcast for this and more on housing, healthcare, and veteran support updates. Produced by Quiet Please, stay informed at quietplease.ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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