By Kim Boyer
Elder Law News
September 2006
The Veterans Administration (VA) has various programs to help elderly and disabled veterans. In some cases, these VA benefits can supplement Medicaid benefits. Nevada Medicaid requires applicants to apply for and pursue available benefits, such as VA medical benefits or Aid and Attendance. If a Medicaid applicant fails to apply for these benefits, the application can be denied.
Medical Benefits. The medical benefits package is a health benefits plan available to enrolled veterans. Budgetary constraints make it necessary for the VA system to provide benefits based on a priority system. Upon enrollment, veterans are placed into priority groups, which then determine the types of services available to the veteran. Some of the benefits available include prescription drugs, home health services, and hospice care.
Under a rule adopted in 2002, the VA will grant a priority level to "severely disabled" veterans, even if the immediate health problem needing attention is unrelated to their military service.
Nursing Home Care. The VA has contracts with non-VA community nursing homes, such that veterans in the special entitlement category can receive care at VA expense. Eligibility for this benefit is extremely limited.
Another potential benefit for veterans and their spouses is access to residency in the Nevada State Veterans Home, 100 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City, Nevada. The private pay rate at that facility for a veteran is less than the cost of a community nursing home.
Aid and Attendance. A benefit provided by the VA that is often overlooked is called "Aid and Attendance." This benefit can be an excellent source of funds for long-term care for the elderly, either at home or in a facility.
It is available to certain wartime veterans or their dependents who are totally disabled because of a non-service connected condition, who are in financial need, and who need the aid and attendance of another person in order to avoid the hazards of the daily environment. Under this program, the amount received will vary, and it is an add-on to the basic pension program.
Official Dates of Recent Wars:
- World War II: December 7, 1941-December 31, 1946.
- Korean War: June 27, 1950 - January 31, 1955.
- Vietnam War: August 5, 1964 (February 28, 1961 for those who were in Vietnam) to May 7, 1975.
- Persian Gulf War: August 2, 1990 to date to be determined.
The VA offers many essential services, with detailed guidelines governing access to them. This is only a brief summary of benefits available to veterans. For further information, contact any VA regional office, view their website at www.va.gov, or call 1-800-827-1000.
Disclaimer: This information is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific questions, you should consult a qualified attorney.
