What Are VA Nursing Homes?
VA Nursing Homes – Quick Facts
The VA operates Community Living Centers, contracts with Community Nursing Homes, and certifies State Veterans Homes.
Veterans must meet service, discharge, and VA health enrollment requirements; disability rating and income may also be considered.
Yes—especially for memory care units. Wait times can range from weeks to years.
Some Veterans have co-pays. Medicaid may help cover costs if the facility is Medicaid-certified.
What Are VA Nursing Homes?
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides nursing home care through three main settings: VA-operated Community Living Centers, contracted Community Nursing Homes, and State Veterans Homes. These facilities offer skilled nursing, rehabilitative care, and in some cases, memory care and hospice services.
What Are Community Living Centers (CLCs)?
CLCs are VA-owned nursing homes often located within or near VA medical centers. They focus on short-term rehabilitation but may also offer long-term care. Services can include skilled nursing, assistance with daily activities, dementia care, mental health services, and hospice care. There are about 130 CLCs nationwide, though none in Alaska, Rhode Island, Utah, or Vermont.
What Are Community Nursing Homes?
These are private nursing homes contracted by the VA to care for eligible Veterans. They provide 24-hour skilled nursing, rehabilitation therapies, and sometimes specialized dementia or hospice care. Many also accept Medicaid, creating overlap in funding sources.
What Are State Veterans Homes?
Owned and managed by states but certified by the VA, State Veterans Homes receive a VA per diem to provide care to eligible Veterans. Services may include short- and long-term skilled care, memory care, adult day health, and domiciliary care. Some homes admit non-Veteran spouses or Gold Star parents (without VA funding). Facilities exist in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
How Do Medicaid Nursing Homes Differ from VA Nursing Homes?
Medicaid-certified nursing homes serve anyone meeting Medicaid’s eligibility requirements, including Veterans. They typically provide long-term care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitative services. Some State Veterans Homes are also Medicaid-certified, allowing Medicaid to help pay costs for Veterans living there.
Who Qualifies for VA Nursing Home Care?
Eligibility requires VA health care enrollment, an eligible discharge status, and meeting service requirements. Disability rating, income, and medical need also influence approval. Veterans with certain service-connected disabilities are guaranteed care; others may qualify based on financial need and bed availability.
How Does the VA Nursing Home Application Process Work?
Veterans must first enroll in VA health care, then apply for nursing home care through their VA social worker or by calling 877-222-8387. Required forms vary by facility type. Co-pays, if any, are determined during the application process. Due to limited availability, waitlists—especially for dementia care—are common.
When Might a Medicaid Nursing Home Be a Better Option?
- Guaranteed access: Nursing Home Medicaid is an entitlement with no waitlists.
- Wider availability: Medicaid nursing homes are more numerous than VA homes.
- Full cost coverage: Medicaid can cover up to 100% of costs if eligible.
- Flexible eligibility planning: Financial strategies can help Veterans qualify.
