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Many people wonder if the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers veterans comprehensive healthcare benefits through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Well, that’s true!

Seniors serving in the armed forces are eligible for a helpful benefit, popularly known as the Veterans Home Care Program. Eligible veterans receive assistance allowing them to age in the comfort of their homes.

What is a VA Program for Veterans?

The program is one of the many home and community services that Veterans Affairs offers. The main thrust behind this program is to assist veterans to remain safe and independent continuing to live in the comfort of their own homes.

What Benefits do VA In-Home Care Services Offer?

Trained In-home caregivers for the elderly veteran assist with various daily tasks that aid veterans in living safely and with as much independence in their homes. Activities like personal care and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Veteran home care services also ensure client safety and offer assistance with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), which may include:

• Meal preparation
• Grocery shopping
• Light housekeeping is needed for a safe and sanitary environment in home areas.
• Escorting the elderly to necessary appointments.
• Laundering is required for the cleanliness and comfort of the elderly.
• Active & passive exercises.

Veteran Affairs also offers family caregivers respite time. These services come in handy for easing the burden on families while providing peace of mind.

One thing to note is that the eligibility requirements for skilled home health care services like physical therapy, catheter care, wound care, and occupational therapy differ from VA’s home care program.

How Do Veterans Become Eligible for VA Pension Benefits?

Veterans may qualify for the Veteran Affairs Aid and Attendance Benefits upon serving on active duty for at least 90 days, with one day during wartime. Congress establishes limits on net worth and yearly income.

The VA outlines the most recent wars in which the veteran served. It is a qualifying aspect to receive VA benefits. The Mexican Border period, the Korean Conflict, Gulf War, World War I, and World War II are some of the most common wartime periods.

Qualifying veterans should have a documented need for assistance with some- not all activities of daily living. These may include getting dressed, bathing, taking medications, visiting doctor’s offices, and preparing balanced meals.

A veteran who abides by all the eligibility criteria must receive financial assistance through the Veteran Affairs program via Attendance and Aid benefit.

How Much Does VA Pay for In-Home Care?

VA covers nearly all the cost of in-home care for eligible veterans as they qualify for free health care throughout the VA program based on their income level, a disability rating, assigned priority, and military service record.

As a rule of thumb, the care regarding the VA-rated service-connected group does not need a co-payment, irrespective of the veteran’s priority group assignment.

VA geriatric and extended care services are specifically unique in that co-payments aren’t assessed for the initial 21 days of care offered in a 12-month period. The daily copay rate is approximately $15 for daily copay rate for non-service-connected H/HHA services.

The rate is reasonable when considering the hourly home health aide care cost.

How to Choose a Veteran Affairs Provider?

Home care management software like CareSmartz360 offers electronic invoicing and the best possible customer service to help reduce billing time and maximize reimbursements.

Aging veterans who receive VA Aid benefits can use their financial payouts to pay for veteran home care from agencies who use CareSmartz360. The agencies provide services to the elderly through licensed caregivers that cater to the non-medical needs of veteran care recipients.

Once the client becomes eligible for the veteran’s affairs program, opting for a veteran affairs billing software to maximize reimbursements is crucial.   After all, around 70% of home care clients are unaware that the VA benefit helps cover the home care cost. Home software makes it easier to bill third-party vendors. Agencies are able to help more of our Veterans live a comfort life in their own homes while accessing home care services without the worry of payment.

Caresmartz360 is proud to be part of the care solution for Veterans!