WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 100,000 veterans have newly enrolled in Department of Veterans Affairs health care so far in 2026, reaching that milestone by the end of March and outpacing most recent years.
What This Means for You
- Veterans may be gaining faster access to VA health care services
- Expanded facilities and appointment options could reduce wait times
- More benefits and housing support programs are being utilized nationwide
The Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA—a federal agency that provides health care and benefits to eligible military veterans—said it reached 100,000 new enrollees by March 31, earlier than in six of the previous seven years.
Officials attributed the increase to expanded services and operational changes implemented since early 2025.
“We have transformed VA from a bureaucratic organization to a service organization, where Veterans come first in everything we do,” VA Secretary Doug Collins said. “These enrollment numbers are proof that Veterans are responding to the historic improvements we are making under President Trump.”
Expanded Access and Services
The VA reported opening 34 new health care facilities nationwide, increasing the number of locations where veterans can receive care.
The agency also said it has scheduled more than 2.2 million appointments outside normal business hours, allowing veterans to access care during evenings and weekends.
In addition, VA officials said the agency completed a record number of direct care appointments in fiscal year 2025 and issued more referrals to community providers than in any prior year.
Benefits and Backlog Reduction
The VA reported a 67% reduction in the backlog of veterans waiting for benefits decisions since January 20, 2025. A backlog refers to pending claims that have not yet been processed.
Officials contrasted that figure with a reported 24% increase in the backlog during the previous administration.
Facility Investments and Housing Efforts
The agency plans to spend nearly $5 billion in fiscal year 2026 on maintenance and upgrades to health care facilities, described as the largest one-time investment of its kind in VA history.
The VA also said it permanently housed 51,936 homeless veterans in fiscal year 2025, marking the highest total in seven years.
How to Apply
The VA is encouraging eligible veterans, along with family members, caregivers, and survivors, to apply for health care and other benefits.
More information is available at https://www.va.gov/, including applications for health care (https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply-for-health-care-form-10-10ez/) and disability benefits (https://www.va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez/introduction).
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