Is There Another Option for Long-Term Care for Veterans?
We have all heard the statistics. Americans are living longer, and because of it, they are requiring more and more long-term care services, including assisted living. Who can afford to pay for such care? Not many! Unless a person has a long-term care policy, the costs of assisted living can be overwhelming.
Additionally, we all know that Medicare and Medicaid will provide little or no assistance for assisted living costs. Are we missing something? Is there another way to pay? The answer is “yes”, and it applies to veterans.
Qualifying for the Veterans Aid Through the A&A benefit
For those who qualify, the Veterans Program offers a monthly pension benefit known as “Aid & Attendance (“A&A”). The A&A benefit can be used to pay for assisted living. So, which veterans qualify? To qualify, the veteran must pass three tests. The first test relates to military service. To pass this test, the veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty, with one day during an active wartime. He or she must also have received a discharge that is other than dishonorable.
Assuming the veteran is military-qualified, the veteran and/or his or her spouse (“the claimant”) must pass a medical necessities test. To pass this test, the claimant must need assistance in order to perform daily tasks, such as dressing, undressing, bathing, and toileting. Being blind or residing in an assisted living facility and having a physical incapacity also qualifies.
Assuming the veteran is military qualified and the claimant passes the medical necessities test, the claimant must also pass an asset and an income test. To pass this test, the claimant must have assets valued at less than $80,000.00, and a monthly income that is not excessive. Of the three tests, the last test is the easiest to pass, because crisis planning strategies can be utilized to immediately qualify the claimant for benefits.
Unlike Medicaid, there are no “look-backs” for penalties or transfers. At the Law Offices of James L. Moore, P.C., we are accredited to assist in qualifying veterans and their spouses for the Veterans A&A Program, without compromising their future ability to get Medicaid benefits. To learn more about this unique planning technique please contact the law office by email: info@lojm.net, or by phone to our Client Services Coordinator, Ms. Tamara Beel: 616-929-0177.
