https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/topics/veterans Rural Health & Human Services News by Topic: Veterans - Rural Health Information Hub en Copyright 2026 Rural Health Information Hub https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/02/2026-04006/veterans-rural-health-advisory-committee-notice-of-meeting The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) will hold a virtual public meeting on March 23, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items include updates from VA leadership, the Executive Director of the VA Office of Rural Health, and the Committee Chair, as well as presentations by subject matter experts on general rural healthcare access. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38295 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.va.gov/asheville-health-care/stories/serving-rural-veterans-through-research/ Highlights the work of the Western North Carolina VA Health Care System in including rural veterans in research studies and developing new treatments. Describes the benefits of research inclusion for both the participating veterans and research generally. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38290 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://rethinkingclinicaltrials.org/news/february-19-2026-ramp-pilot-study-supports-telehealth-mind-body-program-for-rural-veterans-with-chronic-pain/ Summarizes recent research finding that multimodal, telehealth delivered mind-body and exercise interventions are effective for rural veterans experiencing chronic pain. Notes that the program could be easily accessed by rural veterans due to the use of nonclinicians. Describes planned modifications for future programs iterations. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38266 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-leads-effort-expand-veterans-access-lifesaving-breast-cancer Describes proposed bipartisan legislation permanently authorizing telescreening mammography services in rural and other areas for veterans. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38229 Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/29/2026-01803/modifications-to-the-reimbursement-of-childbirth-support-services-under-the-tricare-childbirth-and Notice from the Department of Defense (DOD) Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) announcing adjustments to the certified labor doulas (CLDs) performing childbirth support services under the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD). This notice announces changes to the reimbursement methodology for childbirth support services intended to stabilize reimbursement. DHA is modifying reimbursement for childbirth support services so that the rate approved for March 1, 2025, will be considered a "baseline." The DHA Director will approve a new baseline if it is found that TRICARE reimbursement is not keeping pace with Medicaid reimbursement. The new reimbursement methodology will be effective for rates beginning March 1, 2026. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38201 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://news.va.gov/144693/improving-access-to-care/ Highlights the Mobile Prosthetic and Orthotic Care (MoPOC) truck, a mobile unit from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with support from the VA's Office of Rural Health bringing prosthetic and orthotic care to rural veterans in Texas. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38190 Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/12/2026-00380/implementation-of-section-120-of-the-senator-elizabeth-dole-21st-century-veterans-healthcare-and Notice from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implementing section 120 of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, which allows the VA to increase the expenditure cap for non-institutional care alternatives for eligible veterans. VA will now pay up to 100% of the nursing home rate in a fiscal year for all eligible veterans who need non-institutional care to improve continuity of care and patient outcomes. This guidance is effective September 11, 2025. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38160 Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://news.va.gov/144359/partnership-mobile-mammography-rural-veterans/ Highlights a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs mobile mammography unit in rural Tennessee. Describes the benefits for rural veterans in improving access to both preventive and follow-up care. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38161 Sat, 10 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600