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U.S. Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, led a committee hearing today with officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the VA Office of Inspector General to review proposed changes to the VA’s community care program.

The discussion centered on the Community Care Network Next Generation Request for Proposals, issued by the VA in December 2025. The proposal is intended to modernize how community-based care is delivered to veterans, while increasing competition and encouraging innovation within the VA’s community care program. The effort is also aimed at delivering higher quality care for veterans.

According to the VA, the Community Care Network Next Generation request represents the first major acquisition effort supporting the department’s community care program since the MISSION Act was passed in 2018.

Officials noted that the proposed NextGen contracts would not change the underlying eligibility requirements for veterans to receive community care.