Veteran Support Available
Our team here at Touching Lives With Integrity takes pride in caring for senior Veterans as they journey through the aging process. We are also passionate about helping these Veterans take advantage of any healthcare benefits they might be eligible for through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Certain senior Veterans can even qualify for home-care services through eligible providers, such as Touching Lives With Integrity.
Qualifying for VA health care and home care benefits can make a big difference in the lives of Veterans. Having access to quality healthcare providers and caregivers makes it possible for senior Veterans to improve their quality of life and reduce the risks and symptoms that come with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.
So what does a senior Veteran need to do to find out if they qualify? To make things easier, we have compiled eligibility guidelines that can help seniors determine what benefits they qualify for, if any.
Keep reading to learn more!
Expansion of VA HealthCare Eligibility
Fortunately, the VA has expanded health care to millions of Veterans. One reason behind the expansion of eligibility has been The PACT Act, which gives access to VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances.
In fact, all Veterans who meet basic service & discharge requirements and who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving the U.S. are eligible for VA healthcare. It doesn’t matter if this service was held at home or abroad. Additionally, all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11 also qualify.
Who Else is Eligible for VA Health Care Benefits?
Seniors can qualify for VA health care benefits if they served in the active military, naval, or air service and didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge. Anyone who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, can be eligible. They must have served for two years continuously or the full period in which they were called to active duty. Some exceptions apply, such as:
- You were discharged for a disability that was caused—or made worse—by your active-duty service, or
- You were discharged for a hardship or “early out,” or
- You served prior to September 7, 1980
Former members of the Reserves or National Guard can also be eligible for VA health care benefits if they were called to active duty by a federal order and completed the full period for which they were called or ordered to active duty.
Priority Groups for VA HealthCare Benefits
When seniors apply for VA health care, they will be assigned to one of eight priority groups. This system helps to make sure that Veterans who need immediate care can get signed up quickly. Your priority group may affect how soon the VA signs you up for health care benefits. It may also affect how much (if anything) you’ll have to pay towards the cost of your care.
VA priority groups are based on:
- Military service history
- Disability ratings
- Income level
- Medicaid qualifications
- Other benefits (like VA pension benefits)
Generally, Veterans with service-connected disabilities get the highest priority and those with higher incomes without service-connected disabilities get the lowest priority. If a senior qualifies for more than one priority group, they will be assigned to the highest one.
VA Home Health Care Benefits
Seniors can receive home health care benefits if they signed up for VA health care and were approved to receive ongoing treatment and personal care through local service providers. Home care providers, such as T touching Lives With Integrity can help senior Veterans with activities of daily living, isolation, and make it easier for families to provide the quality of care needed for their loved ones. The VA will pay for some of these services but seniors still might need to pay a copay for others.
How to Get Help With Your VA Benefits Application
Seniors who need assistance with their application can get help in the following ways:
- Call our toll-free hotline at (877) 222-8387.
- Get help from an accredited representative (a trained professional trusted to help with VA-related claims). Request a representative here.
- Reach out to Georgia Vet Veterans agency. Click here to learn more.
- Contact Georgia Vet via phone at (800) 698-2411
- VA Benefits Hotline: (888) 827-1000
For senior veterans based in Georgia eligibility questions can be answered by contacting the Medical Center and Social Work Leader.