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“Does the VA Pay for Nursing Home Care?” is a common question among veterans and their families seeking long-term care options.
Whether you’re considering a VA Community Living Center or a State Veterans Home understanding what the VA covers (and what it doesn’t) can help you plan for the future.
This post will answer your questions about VA nursing home care, including how it can affect your wallet.
Let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- The VA may cover nursing home care for veterans based on factors such as their service-connected disability rating, income, and medical needs.
- Programs like Aid & Attendance can help cover the costs of nursing homes, assisted living, and in-home care.
- The VA has various nursing home care options, including Community Living Centers, Community Nursing Homes, and State Veterans Homes.
Does the VA Pay for Nursing Home Care?
Yes, the VA covers nursing home care, but eligibility depends on several factors, including your service history, VA disability rating, income, and medical needs.
Qualifications for covered nursing home care:
- You were recently discharged from a VA hospital (ensure your physician determines care is needed), OR
- You have a VA disability rating of at least 70% for a service-connected disability, OR
- You have a Total Disability rating based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).
Keep in mind that in some situations, you will be required to pay a copay for nursing home care.
How to Get Into a Veterans Nursing Home
You can get into a veterans nursing home if you meet all these requirements:
- You’re signed up for VA health care, and
- The VA concludes that you need a specific service to help with your ongoing treatment and personal care, and
- The service (or space in the care setting) is available near you
The VA may also consider additional factors like insurance coverage or service-connected disability status.
To find out how to access these services, contact your VA social worker or call the VA’s toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.
Types of VA Nursing Homes
Community Living Center (CLC)
Veterans may stay in a community living center for a short time or, in rare instances, for the rest of their lives.
A CLC is a place where veterans can receive nursing home-level care, which includes help with activities of daily living, skilled nursing, and medical care.
List of VA Community Living Center Locations
Community Nursing Homes
A Community Nursing Home is where veterans can live full-time and receive skilled nursing care anytime, day or night.
The Community Nursing Home program is offered in many communities so that you can receive care near your home and family.
State Veterans Homes
State Veterans Homes provide nursing homes and domiciliary or adult day care, which state governments own, operate, and manage.
They date back to the post-Civil War era when many states created them to provide shelter to disabled and homeless Veterans.
100% VA Disability and Long-Term Care
If you’re 100% disabled due to a service-connected condition, you may qualify for long-term care benefits through the VA, including nursing home care.
The VA offers services such as Skilled Home Health Care (SHHC), Homemaker and Home Health Aide (H/HHA), and Respite Care, which can help with daily activities and medical needs at home.
However, eligibility depends on clinical necessity, income level, and service connection status.
Veterans with a 100% disability rating receive full coverage for some services, while others require copays or additional eligibility assessments.
Veterans Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance can help pay for care, but most policies cover services for a set number of years before the costs become your responsibility.
In addition, many plans have an elimination period of 30, 60, or 90 days, during which you must pay for care out of pocket before benefits begin.
Premiums are based on age and health at enrollment. If you already need assistance with daily activities or live in a care facility, you likely won’t qualify for a new policy.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
Will the VA pay for nursing home care?
Yes, the VA will pay for nursing home care under certain circumstances. Coverage depends on various factors, including your service-connected disability rating.
Do veterans get free nursing home care?
Yes, veterans may qualify for free nursing home care through the VA, but eligibility depends on factors such as service connection, VA disability rating, income, and medical necessity.
If you have a 100% service-connected disability or a 70% or higher VA rating with special needs, you may be eligible for fully covered nursing home care.
Does the VA pay for nursing home care for spouses?
No, the VA doesn’t directly pay for nursing home care for a veteran’s spouse.
However, some benefits may help with the cost of care for a veteran’s spouse, including:
Does the VA pay for assisted living?
The VA doesn’t pay for assisted living like it covers nursing home care. Still, you may receive financial assistance through specific VA programs to help cover some of the costs, including VA Community Residential Care.
How much will the VA pay for assisted living?
The VA determines the amount it pays for assisted living based on various factors, including your income level.
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About the Author
Kelly Olone
Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.
