Does the VA Help to Pay for Nursing Care?
As the population keeps aging, more and more people are needing care within their home as well as moving to a community for their care needs. Fortunately the level (and quality) of care has greatly improved from the time of our grandparents. Unfortunately the cost to receive that care has skyrocketed.
For those who served our country, there may be money available through the Veterans Administration
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Veteran Directed Home and Community Based Services program (sometimes referred to as the Waiver program). This program is actually a medical benefit. It is for veterans who need assistance with daily living activities. It is a flexible amount used to pay for home caregiving. A great place to find out more about this program is through your VA Social Worker. Contact your local VA Medical Center to find one near you.
TriCare for Life is a program for service members who retired from the military. If there is need for long term care (usually skilled care) TriCare for Life may cover some, all or none of this cost. Speak directly with your VA Social Worker and/or call the TriCare for Life customer service number at 866-733-0404 for more details.
The VA Improved Pension (sometimes referred to as the Aid and Attendance Benefit or Non-Service Related Compensation). This program is specifically for veterans who served during wartime (they do not need to be retired military, nor did they need to see action or be overseas). There are three levels of benefit: base, housebound as well as aid & attendance. There are many moving parts to this program and can get confusing quickly. The VA will look at your income, your on-going medical expenses as well as your assets. Unlike Medicaid, you are allowed to do planning around the asset and income formulas to help qualify and maximize the benefits. (DO NOT LET ANYONE TELL YOU THAT YOU MAKE TOO MUCH MONEY OR HAVE TOO MANY ASSETS.) Make sure you deal with a qualified (and VA accredited) professional for guidance through this maze.
These are great programs that can help our veterans. Be careful who you deal with regarding assistance in obtaining these programs, there are many traps built within the system. (There may also be benefits and programs through the state and/or County in which you live. The Department of Aging in your area may be a good resource.)
