WASHINGTON, D.C. — Veterans living in sparsely populated areas may gain easier access to medical care as the Department of Veterans Affairs makes $7 million available to fund transportation services to health appointments.
What This Means for You
- Free transportation to VA medical appointments may expand in rural areas
- Eligible organizations can apply for federal funding through May 5, 2026
- The program targets counties with very low population density
The funding is part of the Highly Rural Transportation Grants Program, which supports organizations that help veterans travel to and from VA or VA-authorized health care appointments.
A “highly rural” area is defined by the VA as a county with fewer than seven people per square mile, meaning veterans in these regions often face long distances and limited transit options when seeking care.
Who Can Apply
Grants are available to Veteran Service Organizations and State Veterans Service Agencies that provide transportation services for veterans.
There is no cost for eligible veterans to use these transportation programs where they are available.
Since the program launched in 2014, the VA has distributed $35 million in funding to organizations across 15 states, U.S. territories, and tribal lands.
“Improving health care access for rural Veterans is vital,” VA Secretary Doug Collins said. “These grants will help break down the geographic barriers to health care some rural Veterans face.”
Application Details
Organizations interested in applying must submit applications by May 5, 2026.
Information on eligibility, funding priorities, and application requirements is available at VA.gov/HEALTHBENEFITS/vtp/grant_applicants. Applications can be submitted through grants.gov.
Broader VA Efforts
The transportation grants are part of a wider set of VA initiatives aimed at expanding access to care and services.
The agency reported enrolling more than 100,000 new veterans in health care in 2026, opening 34 new health facilities since early 2025, and reducing its backlog of benefits claims by 67%.
The VA also reported completing more than 82 million health care appointments in fiscal year 2025, expanding after-hours scheduling, and increasing efforts to house homeless veterans nationwide.
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