VA Community Care Program: What Veterans Need to Know in 2026

Many veterans do not realize that the VA can pay for professional in-home care delivered by community providers outside of VA facilities. The VA Community Care Program makes this possible. Since the VA MISSION Act took full effect in 2019, about 40% of all VA healthcare is now delivered through community care providers according to US Military. Yet many veteran families still do not know this option exists or how to access it. Here is everything veteran families need to know about the VA Community Care Program in 2026.

What Is the VA Community Care Program?

The VA Community Care Program allows eligible veterans to receive healthcare and support services from approved providers in their local community when the VA cannot deliver the care needed directly. According to VA.gov, community care is provided on behalf of and paid for by the VA. As a result, veterans who qualify can access professional in-home care without paying out of pocket for services the VA authorizes.

The program was established under the VA MISSION Act of 2018. MISSION stands for Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks. According to Veteran Career Path, the goal is simple. If the VA cannot provide the care a veteran needs in a timely or convenient manner, the veteran can receive it from an approved community provider and the VA pays the bill.

What Services Does VA Community Care Cover for Home Care?

According to Assisting Hands, in 2026 the VA Community Care Program commonly covers non-medical home care services including personal care assistance such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, help with activities of daily living such as toileting, transferring, and eating, and homemaker services that support safe and comfortable daily living at home.

These are exactly the services Thrive USA provides. For veteran families who have been struggling to find and fund professional in-home care, the Community Care Program may be the answer they did not know existed.

Who Qualifies for the VA Community Care Program?

According to AARP’s VA Community Care Guide, qualifying veterans need to meet two basic requirements and at least one of six additional criteria.

The Two Basic Requirements

First, the veteran must be enrolled in or eligible for VA healthcare. Second, the veteran must have approval from their VA healthcare team before receiving care from a community provider, with limited exceptions for urgent or emergency situations.

The Six Additional Criteria

According to Veteran Career Path, at least one of the following must also be true for a veteran to qualify for community care.

The average drive time to the nearest VA facility exceeds 30 minutes for primary care, mental health, or non-institutional extended care services. In addition, the VA cannot provide the specific service the veteran needs. Furthermore, the VA cannot schedule an appointment within the access standards of 20 days for primary care or 28 days for specialty care. The veteran lives in a state or territory without a full-service VA facility. As of July 2026, that list includes Alaska, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The veteran’s specific situation and circumstances warrant community care based on the VA’s individual assessment.

How to Access the VA Community Care Program

The process for accessing community care starts with the veteran’s existing VA care team. According to Kore Cares, the process typically begins with a VA primary care provider, social worker, or care coordinator who evaluates the veteran’s needs and determines whether home care services are appropriate.

Here is how the process typically works step by step.

First, the veteran or their family contacts the VA to discuss care needs. If the veteran is not yet enrolled in VA healthcare, enrollment is the essential first step. Veterans can enroll at VA.gov or by calling 1-800-698-2411.

Second, the VA care team evaluates the veteran’s health status, safety concerns, and ability to perform activities of daily living. Based on that evaluation, the team determines whether community care is appropriate.

Third, if approved, the VA issues an authorization for care from an approved community provider. The authorization specifies the services covered, the duration of care, and the approved provider.

Fourth, the approved community provider, such as Thrive USA, delivers the authorized care. The provider follows the VA-approved care plan and coordinates documentation and billing directly with the VA.

What Families Need to Know About the Process

According to Assisting Hands, services through the Community Care Program are not automatic. The veteran must be eligible and a VA provider must authorize care before services begin. Furthermore, the community agency must follow the approved care plan.

This means families play an important role in the process. Staying on top of authorizations, keeping track of renewal dates, and communicating clearly with both the VA and the home care provider are all important responsibilities that families can take on to keep care running smoothly.

In 2026, many families specifically look for home care agencies with experience working with the VA Community Care Program. Working with an agency that understands VA processes reduces confusion around authorizations, scheduling, and documentation significantly.

VA Community Care and Other VA Benefits

The VA Community Care Program works alongside other VA benefits rather than replacing them. Veterans may be eligible for multiple programs simultaneously.

For example, eligible wartime veterans may also qualify for the Aid and Attendance pension benefit, which provides monthly tax-free payments toward the cost of in-home care. Read our full guide on the VA Aid and Attendance benefit to find out if your veteran qualifies.

In addition, veterans with service-connected disabilities may receive VA disability compensation that can be combined with community care services to create a comprehensive care plan. Visit our Veteran Resources page to learn more about the full range of programs available to the veterans we serve.

How Thrive USA Works With the VA Community Care Program

At Thrive USA, we understand the VA system and the unique needs of veteran clients. Our care coaches provide the personalized, one-on-one support that veteran families are looking for, delivered with the sensitivity and respect that military service deserves.

If you believe your veteran may qualify for the VA Community Care Program, the first step is to contact the VA and discuss your loved one’s care needs. We are also happy to answer questions about what our services look like and how we work within VA-authorized care plans.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We will help you understand your options and find the right path to getting your veteran the care they have earned.

Frequently Asked Questions About the VA Community Care Program