Veterans may receive nursing home care through the VA, but not all veterans may have access to and not all costs are covered
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does pay for some nursing home care, but the word "free" depends on your service history, disability rating, and income. The VA runs its own nursing homes and also pays private facilities to care for veterans who meet specific criteria. If you served on active duty and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, you may be may be able to access — but may be able to access for nursing home benefits is separate from may be able to access for other VA health services.
The VA distinguishes between three types of nursing home care: VA-operated facilities (which the VA runs directly), state veterans homes (which states run with VA funding), and community nursing homes (private facilities the VA contracts with). Which one you can use, and how much you pay, depends on your disability rating and whether the VA considers your condition service-connected.
Key Takeaways
- Veterans with a service-connected disability rated 70 percent or higher may receive nursing home care with little or no cost through the VA.
- Veterans rated below 70 percent may still access VA nursing home care, but usually must pay a copay based on their income.
- State veterans homes often have shorter waiting lists than VA facilities and may accept veterans with lower disability ratings.
- You must contact the VA directly to learn what you may have access to for; nursing home may be able to access is not automatic even if you receive other VA benefits.
- Private nursing homes do not automatically accept VA payment — you need to confirm the facility participates in the VA program before admission.
Who qualifies for VA nursing home care
The VA prioritizes veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 70 percent or higher. These veterans can enter a VA nursing home with no copay if they have a service-connected condition that requires nursing home level of care. Veterans rated 60 to 69 percent are next in priority, followed by those rated 50 to 59 percent. All of these groups may have access, but waiting lists vary by location and facility.
Veterans rated below 50 percent, or those with no service-connected disability at all, may still be admitted to VA nursing homes if bed space is available — but they typically pay a daily copay. The copay amount depends on your income and the type of facility. Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled, even without a high disability rating, may also may have access to for coverage.
You must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable to be may be able to access for any VA benefit. If you received a dishonorable discharge, you are not may be able to access. If you received a bad conduct discharge or other than honorable discharge, you may still be may be able to access depending on the circumstances — contact the VA to find out.
What the VA pays for and what you pay
If you are rated 70 percent or higher for a service-connected condition, the VA typically covers the full cost of nursing home care in a VA facility. You pay nothing. If you are rated 60 to 69 percent, you usually pay a small daily copay — the exact amount varies. Veterans rated 50 to 59 percent pay a higher daily copay. The VA updates copay amounts each year, so ask the facility for the current rate when you inquire.
The VA does not cover nursing home care for conditions that are not service-connected, even if you are a veteran with a high disability rating for other conditions. For example, if you have a 70 percent rating for a back injury but need nursing home care for Alzheimer's disease that the VA has not connected to your service, you would pay out of pocket for that care.
If you use a private nursing home that contracts with the VA, the VA pays the facility directly and you pay any copay owed. If you choose a private facility that does not contract with the VA, the VA will not pay, and you are responsible for the full cost.
State veterans homes as an alternative
Every state runs at least one veterans home with funding from both the state and the VA. These facilities often have shorter waiting lists than VA-operated nursing homes and may accept veterans with lower disability ratings. Some state homes accept veterans with no service-connected disability at all, though copays may be higher.
State veterans homes are not run by the VA, so their rules and copay structures differ from VA facilities. Some states charge based on income; others charge a flat daily rate. You must contact your state's veterans home directly to learn what they charge and whether they have an open bed. The VA's website lists state veterans homes by state, or you can call your state's veterans affairs office.
If you are on a waiting list for a VA nursing home, you can explore to a state veterans home at the same time. Many veterans are admitted to state homes while waiting for a VA bed to open.
How to find out what you may have access to for
Contact the VA Health Benefits Service Center at 1-877-222-8387 to discuss your nursing home options. Have your discharge papers (DD Form 214) ready. The VA will ask about your service history, current disability rating, and the type of care you need. If you do not yet have a disability rating, the VA can discuss the process for getting one.
You can also visit a VA medical center in person and ask to speak with a social worker or care coordinator. They can review your records and explain which facilities you may be admitted to and what you would pay. If you are already receiving VA health care, your current VA provider can refer you to nursing home services.
If you are a veteran living in a state with a veterans home, contact that facility directly as well. Do not assume you must go through the VA first — state homes have their own intake process and may move faster.
What happens if you cannot afford the copay
If your income is very low, you may may have access to for Aid and Attendance benefits, a VA benefit that provides extra monthly payments to veterans who need help with daily living tasks. This benefit can help cover nursing home copays. You must explore for Aid and Attendance separately from nursing home care.
Some veterans also may have access to for Medicaid, which covers nursing home care. If you are a veteran with low income and assets, you may be may be able to access for both VA nursing home benefits and Medicaid. Medicaid rules vary by state, so contact your state's Medicaid office or a local Area Agency on Aging to learn whether you may have access to.
If you cannot afford any copay, tell the VA or the nursing home directly. Some facilities have hardship policies or can work with you on payment. Do not assume you will be turned away — the conversation is worth having.
Waiting lists and how long admission takes
VA nursing home waiting lists vary widely depending on your location and disability rating. Veterans rated 70 percent or higher may be admitted within weeks in some areas, or may wait several months in areas with high demand. Veterans rated below 70 percent typically wait longer. State veterans homes often have shorter waits.
While you wait, you can receive VA home health services or adult day care through the VA, which may help you stay at home longer. Ask your VA provider about these options. If you need nursing home care urgently and the VA wait is long, a private nursing home or state veterans home may be faster — though you would pay out of pocket unless Medicaid covers it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get free nursing home care just because I am a veteran?
Not automatically. You must have a service-connected disability rated 70 percent or higher to receive care with no copay. Veterans with lower ratings may still use VA nursing homes but will pay a daily copay. Veterans with no service-connected disability may be admitted if space is available, but typically pay the full cost.
What if I was dishonorably discharged?
A dishonorable discharge disqualifies you from all VA benefits, including nursing home care. If you received a bad conduct discharge or other than honorable discharge, you may still be may be able to access — contact the VA to discuss your specific discharge.
Can I use any nursing home, or does it have to be VA-approved?
The VA only pays for care at VA-operated facilities, state veterans homes, or private nursing homes that have a contract with the VA. If you choose a private facility without a VA contract, the VA will not pay. Always confirm the facility participates in the VA program before admission.
What if I cannot afford the copay?
You may may have access to for Aid and Attendance benefits, which provide extra monthly payments for veterans needing help with daily living. You may also may have access to for Medicaid, which covers nursing home care. Tell the VA or nursing home about your financial situation — some facilities have hardship policies.
How do I know if my condition is service-connected?
The VA determines service connection when you file a disability claim. If you have not filed, contact the VA to start the process. If you already have a disability rating, your rating letter states which conditions are service-connected. You can also log into VA.gov to view your rating details.