Rural Veterans and Access to Healthcare – News
News stories from the past 60 days.
Sep 18, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) announcing changes to the TRICARE program benefits for calendar year 2027. Outlines annual changes, new and expanded benefits, demonstration programs, pharmacy out-of-pocket expenses for CY 2027, and more. This TRICARE Health Plan information is applicable to services beginning January 1, 2027.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 17, 2026 - Highlights innovative work in pelvic health rehabilitation for veterans that expands training for rural physical therapists and connects veterans with specialized care.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Sep 14, 2026 - Describes a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs program in Tennessee increasing access to cancer care for rural veterans. Discusses increased cancer risk for veterans and the impact that travel can have on patients and their caregivers.
Source: VA News
Sep 6, 2026 - Highlights telehealth as a service delivery method for mental healthcare for rural veterans following a suicide attempt.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Aug 31, 2026 - Highlights a new Saturday clinic for veterans in rural West
Texas in need of audiology care. Discusses healthcare
access challenges for veterans in this region and how the
expanded hours help ensure veterans are able to receive the
consistent care they need.
Source: VA West Texas Health Care Stories
Aug 14, 2026 - Highlights suicide prevention support options available through the Veterans Administration (VA) with a focus on rural residents, veterans not enrolled in VA healthcare, and veterans who have never received suicide support before.
Source: VA News
VA: Agency Information Collection Activity under OMB Review: VA Health Professional Scholarship Programs (HPSP, VIOMPSP)
Federal Register
Aug 5, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) seeking comments on forms related to the VA Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP) and Visual Impairment and Orientation and Mobility Professionals Scholarship Program (VIOMPSP). The information collected is used for VA to determine an applicant's eligibility to receive a scholarship award and compliance with program requirements. Comments are due by September 4, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 4, 2026 - Summarizes recent research finding that the first 5 years of the Veterans Affairs Clinical Resource Hubs program saw increased use of telemental health services among rural veterans. The study also found a shift in care delivery from clinic-based video visits to video visits in patients' homes.
Source: VA Health Systems Research News
VA: Implementation of Section 403 of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act
Federal Register
Jul 29, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announcing its implementation plan for section 403 of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, which authorizes VA to provide food, shelter, transportation, and other items to homeless Veterans when necessary. This notice describes covered Veterans that may receive assistance, the types of assistance that VA may provide, and how VA will determine whether assistance is necessary. This notice is effective July 29, 2026.
Source: Federal Register