Republicans Propose New VA Funding — Including Community Care Boost

Last week, Republicans released the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill — their proposal for the allocation of funds toward, among other agencies and programs, the VA. If passed, this year’s proposal would allot some $453 billion to the Department of Veterans Affairs — a marked increase over last year’s amount of nearly $370 billion.

In addition, the proposed plan would boost funding for the Community Care program — also known as the Veterans Choice Program — which allows veterans to see private doctors through VA funding. House Republicans proposed $34 billion toward this program, which represents an increase of over 50% more than this year’s approved $22 billion.

What the FY2026 budget proposal would mean for veterans

Republicans tout the bill as a reification of their commitment to the people who put their lives on the line to serve our country.

"This bill is a testament to our unwavering commitment to those who wear the uniform and to the veterans who have served our nation honorably," said John Carter, the Republican representative from Texas who served as chair for the subcommittee that oversaw the writing of the bill. He mentioned, too, that the bill "invests in the health and well-being of our veterans, including focusing on mental health and homelessness assistance."

The increase in funding for the Community Care program, specifically, is in line with the Trump administration’s push to make it easier for veterans to seek care from private doctors — an option that Trump claims will help reduce wait times.

But on the other side of the aisle, some Democrats see the bill as an effort toward privatizing the VA. In addition, the bill includes policy riders that will reduce veterans’ access to certain forms of health care, including gender-affirming care and abortion.

The bill is slated to be debated by the House Appropriations Committee this week.

If you’re a veteran, here’s how to seek care

Regardless of the outcome of the funding proposal, veterans have options when it comes to seeking care — and many may be eligible to work with a provider outside of the VA and still have it covered by their benefits. Eligibility requirements vary by state, but in all cases include enrollment in (or eligibility for) VA health care, as well as approval from your VA health care team (except in urgent or emergency cases). You can read more about the full Community Care Program eligibility requirements at the VA website.

Further, all veterans who meet basic service and discharge requirements — as well as those who were exposed to toxins or other hazards at home or abroad during service — are now eligible for regular VA health care. According to the VA, "this includes all veterans who served in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan or any other combat zone after 9/11."

If you’re a veteran, you can apply online from the comfort of your home — a process that should only take about half an hour. You can also contact the VA by phone at 800-698-2411.

And while the VA may take care of primary health insurance for both the veteran and their immediate family members, you can still add a secondary health insurance policy to your arsenal of protection — as well as shopping for the best auto insurance and homeowners insurance policies for veterans specifically.

In addition, veterans whose care may be compromised by the policy riders mentioned above might also consider shopping the Obamacare health insurance marketplace to ensure their coverage. Depending on your household income, you may qualify for a subsidy which can help make this coverage more affordable.