If you’re caring for a parent who served in the military, you may be exploring how VA-funded home care can help them age safely and comfortably at home.
Understanding the out-of-pocket costs for VA-funded home care is essential, especially when your parent has given so much for their country and deserves the best support possible.
At BrightStar Care of Springfield/Bloomington, we’re committed to guiding local families, especially women, in balancing caregiving, work, and family life through every step of this process.
The VA offers robust support, including:
For more details on our services for veterans, visit our Veterans In-Home Care page.
Learn more about day-to-day veterans’ care needs in our daily assistance overview.
Q: Will home care cost more if my parent lives in an assisted living facility?
A: VA benefits typically don’t cover room and board in assisted or independent living, but may cover home care if medically necessary.
Q: Can family caregivers get help?
A: Yes! The VA Caregiver Support Program offers training, respite, and even monthly stipends for eligible families. Find out more about caregiver support on the VA Caregiver Program page.
Q: What if my parents’ needs change?
A: Home care plans are flexible. A reassessment by the VA or BrightStar Care team ensures services can be adjusted as health needs evolve.
Understanding the out-of-pocket costs for VA-funded home care is essential, especially when your parent has given so much for their country and deserves the best support possible.
At BrightStar Care of Springfield/Bloomington, we’re committed to guiding local families, especially women, in balancing caregiving, work, and family life through every step of this process.
What Does VA-Funded Home Care Cover?
VA-funded home health care, also called in-home care for veterans, can be a lifeline for families.The VA offers robust support, including:
- Personal care (bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding).
- Mobility support and transfers.
- Medication management.
- Skilled nursing care (wound care, injections, chronic disease management).
- Physical, occupational, or speech therapy.
- Respite care for family caregivers.
- VA Health Care.
- Community Care Network (CCN).
- VA Aid and Attendance.
- Housebound Allowance.
For more details on our services for veterans, visit our Veterans In-Home Care page.
Who is Eligible? Understanding the Basics
To access these benefits, your parent must:- Be honorably discharged from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces (including reserves, if active-duty requirements are met).
- Have a demonstrated need for care, such as assistance with “Activities of Daily Living” (ADLs) like dressing, toileting, or mobility.
- Be enrolled in VA health care or another qualifying VA benefit program.
- Reside in an area where VA-contracted providers, like BrightStar Care, are available.
- Meet clinical and sometimes financial criteria confirmed through a VA assessment.
Learn more about day-to-day veterans’ care needs in our daily assistance overview.
What Determines Out-of-Pocket Costs?
When it comes to how much you might pay out of pocket, three key factors come into play:1. Service-Connected Disability Rating
- Veterans with a 70%+ service-connected disability rating typically pay no copay for in-home care services. That’s a game-changer for many families.
- Those with a 10%+ disability rating may also be exempt from some or all copays, especially for outpatient and inpatient care.
- Veterans in Priority Group 1 (such as those with a 50%+ rating, Medal of Honor recipients, or those unable to work due to service-related disability) receive full cost coverage for almost all types of VA care.
2. Income and Financial Need
- VA uses a combination of income, certain allowed expenses, and assets (evaluated on VA Form 10-10EC) to determine eligibility for free or reduced-cost care and for calculating copayments.
- Veterans with high medical expenses compared to their annual income, or low income, may qualify for reduced copays or full coverage.
3. Program Qualifications
- VA Health Care, CCN, and Skilled Nursing: Direct billing to VA with little or no out-of-pocket cost for most qualifying veterans. Room and board in assisted living is usually not covered.
- Aid and Attendance Benefit: This program adds funds (up to $2,358/month for a single veteran as of 2025) to the pension for veterans or surviving spouses needing daily care. The benefit can be applied to costs not paid directly by VA.
- Housebound Allowance: For veterans who must remain at home due to a permanent disability, providing additional monthly payments on top of the regular pension.
FAQs: VA Home Health Care Costs
Q: Are all services always free for veterans?
A: No, coverage and copays depend on rating, income, type of service, and eligibility for specific programs like Aid and Attendance or Housebound.Q: Will home care cost more if my parent lives in an assisted living facility?
A: VA benefits typically don’t cover room and board in assisted or independent living, but may cover home care if medically necessary.
Q: Can family caregivers get help?
A: Yes! The VA Caregiver Support Program offers training, respite, and even monthly stipends for eligible families. Find out more about caregiver support on the VA Caregiver Program page.
Q: What if my parents’ needs change?
A: Home care plans are flexible. A reassessment by the VA or BrightStar Care team ensures services can be adjusted as health needs evolve.