Because of illnesses, injuries, or other health issues related to service, some veterans may find they need more significant care than routine visits to the doctor or stays in the hospital. Whether a veteran needs extended in-home health care or is wondering if the VA will pay for a nursing home, there are options for VA long-term care coverage. Understanding VA long-term care benefits is essential for these veterans.
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In this article about VA long-term care benefits:
VA long-term care benefits
Veterans may need long-term care because of ongoing service-connected health issues. Long-term care is provided for an extended period of time, including for the rest of the veteran’s life if needed, and can be in or outside the home. This care may be intermittent or 24/7.
All veterans enrolled in the VA’s Medical Benefits Package are eligible for certain care services. However, there are different eligibility requirements for different types of residential settings. We share some of these settings below, as well as if the VA will provide assistance paying, how much, and other information you need to know.
Nursing homes for veterans
When it comes to nursing homes, veterans generally have three options: VA community living centers, community nursing homes, or state veterans homes.
A VA community living center is a nursing home operated by the VA. There are more than 100 of these centers across the country that provide veterans with all types of care they need as well as assistance with activities of daily living, either temporarily or long-term. These homes are only for veterans.
A community nursing home is a facility owned by a private company, not the VA. Anyone with a medical need can live in one of these homes, regardless of whether they are a veteran or not.
State veterans homes are owned, run, and operated by the state they’re located in. Eligibility for residence in a state veterans home is set by the state. Some states may admit veterans, along with their spouses or gold star parents.
Will the VA pay for nursing home care?
When it comes to whether the VA will pay for long-term nursing home care for a veteran, the answer is it depends. If the veteran is enrolled in VA health care, the VA will likely cover some long-term care. However, the veteran may still need to pay a copay or pay out-of-pocket for some services.
Regardless of the type of nursing home, the health needs of the veteran and room and care availability will be key considerations. The veteran’s service-connected status, level of disability, and income will also be considered. This applies for other long-term care facilities as well.
If the veteran needs services the VA doesn’t cover, they may be able to pay through Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance.
If you are a veteran interested in living in one of these facilities, the VA recommends speaking with one of its social workers about whether you qualify for assistance.
Other residential care facilities
While nursing homes are a popular option for many veterans needing care outside of their home, there are other types of long-term care facilities. Veterans may be interested in exploring Medical Foster Homes, Adult Family Homes, or the Community Residential Care program as alternatives.
Vets with different care needs may also want to know more about whether the VA will help cover expenses at TBI rehab and assisted living facilities. We explain more about each of these below.
Community Residential Care
Community Residential Care (CRC) is a program designed for veterans who can’t live alone because of health conditions. These health issues may be physical or mental. CRC is a good fit for veterans who struggle to live by themselves because they need help with daily living, but don’t need the level of round-the-clock care provided in a hospital or nursing home.
The CRC program provides care in places like assisted living facilities, family care homes, and group homes. These facilities are vetted by the VA, and the veteran can choose their specific facility.
The CRC program covers room, board, and some care.
Traumatic Brain Injury Residential Rehab
Traumatic Brain Injury Residential Rehab is different from other types of long-term care in that it is designed only for veterans who are recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other brain injury. These veterans often need specialized care and various types of therapy during recovery.
The VA can cover services at these facilities if a veteran needs care beyond what is available in a nursing home for their brain injury. However, the veteran must pay for room and board, which is about $30 to $40 per day. To be eligible, the vet must also be enrolled in VA health care.
Access to these facilities isn’t widely available, and the veteran may need to relocate temporarily to receive this type of care if it’s necessary.
Medical Foster Homes
In a Medical Foster Home, a trained caregiver, along with a supporting team, provides 24/7 assistance to a small group of people. These private residences are alternatives to nursing homes. VA medical centers in ten states around the U.S. have Medical Foster Home programs.
The VA doesn’t pay for Medical Foster Homes, so charges for this care will need to be paid by the veteran or their insurance provider. A veteran can still receive VA Home Based Primary Care in this type of facility.
Adult Family Homes
These private residences have rooms for up to six people to rent. The veteran may share a bedroom, bathroom, and common spaces with other veterans. Adult Family Homes also have a caregiver who provides 24/7 care for the veterans.
Whether a veteran is placed in one of these homes depends on their medical needs and availability.
The VA doesn’t pay for the veteran’s rent in this type of home, but it may pay for additional services such as nursing visits.
Assisted living facilities
Veterans who live in assisted living facilities rent rooms or apartments and share common spaces, like dining rooms, with other residents. The level of care veterans receive in assisted living facilities depends on their individual needs, but caregivers are available 24/7 to help with activities of daily living. There may also be nurses available on-site, or the VA can arrange for them if necessary.
The VA doesn’t pay for the veteran’s rent at an assisted living facility, but they may pay for additional medical services the veteran needs.
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In-home care for veterans
The VA also offers various in-home care options for veterans who need some level of care, either temporarily or permanently, but can continue living in their own homes. This care may include a regular home health aide, physical therapy, or adult day care services, among others.
Some forms of in-home care the VA may assist in paying for include:
- Skilled home health care for veterans as they transition to living back at home after a hospital or nursing home stay
- Homemaker and Home Aide Health Care for veterans who need assistance with daily tasks of living at home
- Home Based Primary Care for veterans seeking healthcare at home
- Respite care for veterans with other full-time caregivers who need breaks
As with other long-term care options, veterans should speak with a VA social worker about their specific case. The types of care a veteran may receive and how much the VA will pay depend on their unique circumstances.
When to use VA form 21-0779
VA form 21-0779 is designed for veterans and veteran spouses living in a nursing home or needing financial assistance for medical care in the home. The form essentially petitions the VA for additional funding for care or specific medical needs.
The VA calls these Aid and Attendance benefits. The benefits are intended for veterans who receive a VA pension and meet one of these criteria:
- Need someone to help them perform activities of daily living, OR
- Have to stay in bed all or most of the day due to illness, OR
- Live in a nursing home because of their disabilities, OR
- Have significantly limited eyesight
If a veteran meets this criteria and needs additional funding for their care, they must submit form 21-0779 along with:
- Evidence of need
- Details about daily activities and travel
- Information about the illness and how it impacts their ability to do things on their own
How Woods & Woods can help
At Woods & Woods, we focus on helping non-working veterans with service-connected conditions get individual unemployability benefits and, in some cases, increased ratings. We also help survivors of veterans receive their DIC benefits. If you think we can help you with your claim, call us today for a free case evaluation. You won’t pay us unless we take and win your case.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the VA will pay for a veteran’s nursing home if they meet eligibility requirements, like having a documented, service-connected disability. Whether the VA covers the entire payment or some of it depends on the veteran’s disability, their care needs, and the type of nursing facility they choose to live in.
The VA offers benefits that can help pay for a veteran’s spouse’s nursing home, including Aid and Attendance or Survivor benefits.
Neil Woods
Neil Woods is a VA disability attorney and the owner and president of Woods & Woods. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
