When your family realizes a Veteran loved one needs help at home, one of the first questions is often: “How are we going to pay for this?” And for many families, Medicaid comes up quickly then just as quickly becomes confusing, limited, or simply not an option.
Here’s the good news: Medicaid isn’t the only path. In fact, many Veterans and families in Central Denver use a mix of private pay, long-term care insurance, VA benefits, and smart planning to make in-home care possible without waiting, scrambling, or sacrificing quality.
Below is a clear guide to the most common home care payment options beyond Medicaid, plus practical tips to help you choose what fits your situation.
Private pay means paying out-of-pocket for in-home care services—often using income, savings, retirement funds, or support from family members.
Why families choose private pay:
If your loved one has a long-term care (LTC) insurance policy, it may cover home care costs depending on the plan.
Common things LTC insurance may help pay for:
Before you assume coverage, locate the policy and check:
Many Veterans qualify for benefits that can support care at home. Two of the most commonly discussed categories are:
It may help with:
Planning tip:
VA benefits can be incredibly helpful, but they often require:
This one trips people up.
Medicare typically does not pay for ongoing “custodial” home care (like regular bathing help, dressing, meal prep, or supervision). Medicare is usually limited to specific medical home health services under certain conditions.
That’s why families often explore LTC insurance, VA benefits, and private pay for longer-term support.
You don’t have to “figure it all out” in one day. A few practical moves can quickly create clarity:
Families often ask whether Medicaid can be used. BrightStar Care of Central Denver does not accept Medicaid, but we can help you understand alternative payment paths like private pay, long-term care insurance, and VA benefit options so you can start care when it’s needed.
If your loved one is missing medications, becoming unsteady, struggling with daily routines, or you’re feeling stretched thin as a family caregiver, payment questions shouldn’t stop you from getting support.
A quick conversation can often reveal options you didn’t realize you had.
Medicare is generally limited to specific medical home health services under certain conditions and usually does not cover ongoing non-medical home care, like help with bathing, dressing, meals, or supervision. Families often use VA benefits, LTC insurance, or private pay for long-term support.
If you’re exploring in-home care for a Veteran in Central Denver and want a plan that fits your needs and your budget, BrightStar Care of Central Denver is here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about caregiving services! Our office is located at 14334 E Evans Ave, Aurora, CO 80014, United States. You may also call us at 303-300-6666.
We’ll walk you through care options, timing, and the most realistic payment paths—so you can move forward with confidence.
Here’s the good news: Medicaid isn’t the only path. In fact, many Veterans and families in Central Denver use a mix of private pay, long-term care insurance, VA benefits, and smart planning to make in-home care possible without waiting, scrambling, or sacrificing quality.
Below is a clear guide to the most common home care payment options beyond Medicaid, plus practical tips to help you choose what fits your situation.
1) Private Pay
Private pay means paying out-of-pocket for in-home care services—often using income, savings, retirement funds, or support from family members.Why families choose private pay:
- Care can start quickly (no waiting on approvals)
- Hours and schedules are flexible
- You can choose the type of care you need (personal care, companion care, skilled nursing, respite, etc.)
- It’s often the simplest option for short-term needs (like post-hospital recovery)
- Private pay can also be used temporarily while a family pursues other benefits (like VA programs or long-term care insurance reimbursement).
2) Long-Term Care Insurance
If your loved one has a long-term care (LTC) insurance policy, it may cover home care costs depending on the plan.Common things LTC insurance may help pay for:
- Personal care (bathing, dressing, toileting)
- Help with mobility and transfers
- In-home support for cognitive decline
- Sometimes skilled services, depending on the policy
Before you assume coverage, locate the policy and check:
- Elimination period (waiting days before benefits start)
- Daily benefit amount
- Benefit duration (years or total maximum)
- What triggers eligibility (often needing help with ADLs)
3) VA Benefits for In-Home Care
Many Veterans qualify for benefits that can support care at home. Two of the most commonly discussed categories are:
VA Pension with Aid and Attendance
This is a needs-based benefit for eligible Veterans (and sometimes surviving spouses) who require assistance with daily activities.It may help with:
- Help at home with ADLs (bathing, dressing, eating, toileting)
- Supervision needs due to memory loss
- Ongoing in-home support to stay safe
VA Health Care. Connected Support
Depending on a Veteran’s enrollment and clinical needs, some home-based services may be available through VA care pathways.Planning tip:
VA benefits can be incredibly helpful, but they often require:
- Proof of service and eligibility
- Medical documentation showing need
- Financial details for needs-based programs
4) Medicare vs. Home Care
This one trips people up.Medicare typically does not pay for ongoing “custodial” home care (like regular bathing help, dressing, meal prep, or supervision). Medicare is usually limited to specific medical home health services under certain conditions.
That’s why families often explore LTC insurance, VA benefits, and private pay for longer-term support.
5) Smart Planning Tips to Make Care More Affordable
You don’t have to “figure it all out” in one day. A few practical moves can quickly create clarity:
- Start with the need, not the label.
- Create a care budget range.
- Use a mix of resources.
- Plan proactively, before a crisis.
A note about Medicaid and BrightStar Care
Families often ask whether Medicaid can be used. BrightStar Care of Central Denver does not accept Medicaid, but we can help you understand alternative payment paths like private pay, long-term care insurance, and VA benefit options so you can start care when it’s needed.
When it’s time to get help
If your loved one is missing medications, becoming unsteady, struggling with daily routines, or you’re feeling stretched thin as a family caregiver, payment questions shouldn’t stop you from getting support.A quick conversation can often reveal options you didn’t realize you had.
FAQs: Veterans and Paying for Home Care
1) What are the best home care payment options for Veterans besides Medicaid?
Many Veterans use a mix of private pay, long-term care insurance, and VA benefits (such as Aid and Attendance, if eligible). The best option depends on the Veteran’s care needs, insurance coverage, and financial situation.2) Can VA benefits help pay for in-home care in Central Denver?
Yes. Some Veterans may qualify for VA-related support such as Aid and Attendance (needs-based) or other VA-connected care pathways depending on enrollment and clinical needs. Eligibility and documentation requirements vary.
3) Does Medicare pay for long-term in-home caregiving?
Medicare is generally limited to specific medical home health services under certain conditions and usually does not cover ongoing non-medical home care, like help with bathing, dressing, meals, or supervision. Families often use VA benefits, LTC insurance, or private pay for long-term support.
Get Clear on Your Options
If you’re exploring in-home care for a Veteran in Central Denver and want a plan that fits your needs and your budget, BrightStar Care of Central Denver is here to help.Contact us today to learn more about caregiving services! Our office is located at 14334 E Evans Ave, Aurora, CO 80014, United States. You may also call us at 303-300-6666.
We’ll walk you through care options, timing, and the most realistic payment paths—so you can move forward with confidence.