Seeking Examples of VA Rate Cut Impact in Texas and New Mexico

At the start of 2026, the VA implemented new rate structures in Texas and New Mexico that reduced rates by 19 to 43 percent. These lower rates apply to G0156 (Home Health Aide) and S5130 (Homemaker) codes. 

HCAOA is advocating on members’ behalf to walk back these reductions — and we need your help.

We know these reductions are already creating real strain on agencies, caregivers, and the veterans you serve. As we continue pressing the VA and congressional offices to correct these cuts, we need to show the human and operational consequences in a way that numbers alone cannot.

Your personal stories are the most important tool we have right now — we want to hear from you.

• Will these cuts force you to reduce VA caseloads, struggle with staffing, limit coverage in rural areas, or absorb losses that threaten your ability to serve veterans?
• Will this necessitate cutting veterans hours or your ability to accept new VA clients?
• Are you worried about caregiver retention because the rates can’t support competitive wages?

All this matters: These are exactly the stories that help federal officials understand why the current rates are woefully inadequate.

Please email HCAOA any stories you’re comfortable sharing about how these cuts affect your operations, your staff, and the veterans in your care. Even a short example is valuable. We will use these stories only to support advocacy efforts to reverse the reductions. 

Thank you for everything you do for veterans and for helping us show the VA what is at stake.