Most people are aware that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers veterans comprehensive health care benefits through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). But, you may not have known that it includes long-term care services like in-home care as part of the standard medical benefits package. Our team at Home Helpers Home Care of Olney is contracted to work with the VA and are ready to assist you with understanding your benefits and getting the help you or your loved one needs.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE VETERANS HOME CARE PROGRAM?

There are three general eligibility requirements that a veteran must meet to receive home care through the VA.

ENROLLMENT IN VA HEALTH CARE BENEFITS

First, a veteran must be eligible for VA health care benefits. Most veterans who served in the active military, naval, or air service and did not receive a dishonorable discharge qualify for the VA’s standard medical benefits package. Typically, elderly veterans have already applied for and been receiving VA health care benefits long before the need for in-home care arises.

ELIGIBILITY FOR COMMUNITY CARE SERVICES

Next, a veteran who is signed up for VA health care must also qualify for community care. The VA MISSION Act of 2018 established six expanded eligibility criteria that can qualify a veteran to receive community care, only one of which must be met. One criterion that triggers eligibility is that “No VA facility offers the hospital care, medical services, or extended care services the veteran requires.”

CLINICAL ELIGIBILITY FOR H/HHA SERVICES

Lastly, a veteran must demonstrate a clinical need for H/HHA services. Their VA primary care provider or a geriatrics care team will conduct a comprehensive geriatric evaluation to assess their level of dependence in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).

WILL THE VA PAY FOR MY HOME CARE?

Many veterans are eligible for free health care through the VA based on their disability rating, income level, military service record and assigned priority group. As a rule, any care related to a VA-rated service-connected disability does not require a copayment regardless of a veteran’s disability rating or priority group assignment.

For more information or to connect with us regarding questions you may have about what benefits you are entitled to with your Home Health Care, please call us or use the contact us button on this page to connect.