Heinrich, Leger Fernández Lead New Mexico & Texas Democrats to Introduce Legislation Reversing Rate Cuts for Veterans’ Essential Homecare Services

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) led New Mexico and Texas congressional Democrats in introducing the Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act, legislation to reverse the Trump administration's cuts to reimbursement rates for essential homecare services for veterans in New Mexico and Texas.

As of January 1, 2026, the reimbursement rate for veterans' homecare services fell by nearly 20 percent in New Mexico and 43 percent in parts of Texas, which could result in homemaker and home health aide agency closures. Approximately 68,000 New Mexico veterans over the age of 65, in addition to many disabled veterans, rely on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare. Nationally, one in 10 of these veterans use at least one homecare service to maintain their independence and continue living in their own homes and communities.

The rate cuts come as the Trump administration is reportedly spending nearly $900 million a day on their war in Iran - putting their reckless war of choice above caring for veterans.

"Homecare services are not luxuries. They are earned benefits that allow disabled and elderly veterans to remain in their homes and live with dignity," said Heinrich. "The Trump administration has repeatedly refused to reverse its cuts to VA homecare reimbursement rates in New Mexico - denying veterans the care they have earned. It is insulting to New Mexico's veterans that VA Secretary Collins refuses to even talk with me and my colleagues to defend these cuts. Meanwhile, veterans are struggling to pay for gas and groceries because of Trump's war with Iran. It's bullshit. That's why I'm introducing my Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act to reverse Trump's harmful cuts, ensure veterans get the care they are owed and need, and require the VA to be transparent about any future reductions."

"Our veterans kept their promise to our country. We must keep ours to them. These reckless reimbursement cuts are making it harder for disabled veterans to receive the in-home care they rely on for everyday tasks like getting out of bed, bathing, getting dressed, or preparing meals. When home health providers can't afford to serve veterans, veterans pay a steep price. Our bill restores those cuts, brings transparency to how these rates are set, and makes sure the VA can never quietly pull the rug out from under veterans and their caregivers again," said Leger Fernández.

Specifically, the Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act will reverse the reimbursement rate reductions that occurred in 2026 and require the VA to notify Congress of any future rate reductions.

The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Marc Veasey (D-Texas), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas), Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), and Al Green (D-Texas).

"Our veterans and their families make the ultimate sacrifice to protect us - it's our responsibility to make sure they're cared for when they come home," said Vasquez. "By cutting reimbursement rates for essential home healthcare services, this Administration is doing the opposite. These programs aren't a handout - they're earned. I'm proud to support this bill that would restore these benefits in New Mexico and make sure that our veterans get the support they need and deserve."

"Our veterans in New Mexico have answered the call to serve, and we have a responsibility to ensure they receive the care they deserve," said Stansbury. "Slashing reimbursements for home-based care while this administration spends billions on an endless war betrays our nations promises to our veterans. The Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act will reverse these harmful cuts and help ensure our veterans can live with the dignity, independence, and support they deserve."

"In South Texas, access to care means making sure veterans can receive the services they need where they live. Home-based care helps aging and disabled veterans stay safe, independent, and close to their families. This bill protects that care, supports the providers who deliver it, and ensures rural communities are not left behind," said Cuellar.

"Home-based care is essential for disabled and elderly veterans in Texas's rural communities. Reversing the cuts to home health reimbursement will ensure that veterans with disabilities and serious health conditions can continue to receive the care they need. This is a necessity, not a luxury. Protecting these care options is crucial in making sure that our veteran communities can continue to live independently and with the support they deserve," said Veasey.

"Our military heroes deserve good healthcare no matter their zip code," said Castro. "The Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act would help make sure veterans living in rural areas receive the high-quality medical care they deserve. Congress should be making it easier for veterans to stay healthy, not harder. This bill will make VA care more accessible and timely."

"There are more than 50,000 veterans in South Texas, including 24,000 with service-connected disabilities; we need fewer barriers impeding access to health care, not more. Instead, this Administration does the opposite by hindering the VA's ability to recruit and retain staff to operate rural homecare service programs and deliver our veterans the care they earned. With this bill, we will reverse a harmful one-size-fits-all approach that overlooks our smallest and most rural communities - and allow us to meet the individual needs of South Texas and beyond," said Gonzalez.

The legislation is endorsed by the New Mexico Association for Home and Hospice Care, Texas Association for Home Care and Hospice, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

The full text of the bill is here.

Earlier this year, Heinrich, Leger Fernández, Vasquez, Stansbury, and Cuellar sent a letter urging VA Secretary Doug Collins to reverse the Trump administration's cuts to reimbursement rates for essential home healthcare services for veterans. VA Secretary Collins responded to the lawmakers' letter, where he refused to reverse the cuts and asserted that the rate reductions reflected an agency assessment that rates in New Mexico and rural Texas exceeded "prevailing market rates." Heinrich released a statement condemning VA Secretary Collins' refusal to reverse the cuts, where he stated, "This is the kind of DC talk I am sick of...This money should be going directly to their care, which is why I plan to introduce legislation that reverses Trump's cuts to homecare reimbursement rates in New Mexico and ensures veterans get the care they are owed."

Heinrich also met with veteran-serving healthcare providers to discuss the impacts of the Trump administration's rate cuts for veterans' essential homecare services.

For additional background on Heinrich's efforts to support New Mexico veterans, click here.

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