Boozman, VA Cite Positive Impact on Health Sector in Rural Communities

WASHINGTON-U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a senior member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, welcomed a report from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins and Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer Richard Topping that its investments in community care support local health services during a hearing on the department's Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal.

Boozman pressed the VA leaders to explain how community care investments support regional healthcare industries, particularly in rural states. Community care enhances veterans' access to care, providing more options to meet their medical needs.

"Community care serves as a vital complement to direct care, helping ensure that veterans receive timely access to services the VA cannot provide within an appropriate timeframe," Boozman said. "Can you tell us how community care investments support regional healthcare industries, particularly in rural states?"

"I think it's invaluable. We serve a hand-in-glove effect with our local doctors, small communities," Collins said.

"This is critically important in rural areas. On average, VA provides five percent of reimbursement for rural healthcare providers. That's rural hospitals, doctors, nurses, home health agencies, mental health providers. These agencies often operate on margins of less than one percent. Sixty percent of our veterans live in rural areas," Topping said. "Last year in Arkansas, [VA] invested $613 million in rural providers."

Click play to view the video or follow this link https://youtu.be/TjZau23WgrA

Permalink: https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2026/5/boozman-va-cite-positive-impact-on-health-sector-in-rural-communities