Ocala Senior Care - Veterans
Having recently honored our veterans we thought we should bring attention to the fact that millions of senior and elderly veterans and their widows lose out on billions of benefits from the government that may help them afford in-home care services.
For aging veterans, one of their most important benefit programs is the Veterans Non-Service Connected Improved Pension Benefit Program. Established to assist qualified veterans, and/or their surviving spouses and family, the Veterans NSC Improved Pension Benefit Program provides financial support that enables veterans to live independently while receiving the quality of care they deserve. In particular, funds are available for aging veterans who need assistance with medical and non-medical care both in the home and in qualified facilities.
In many cases, veterans, along with their spouses and family, are unaware that this program exists. According to VA analysis, only 27 percent of veterans and 14 percent of widow(er)s who are likely eligible, actually receive any money from the program.
Types of Care Eligible
The availability of this program is something all veterans and their widow(er)s should know. Seniors in our country are now living longer. With higher living costs and the continued rise in healthcare expenditures, many seniors are at risk of quickly depleting their savings. Programs like the Veterans NSC Improved Pension Benefit Program can fund services like in-home care, assisted living facility expenses and other medical costs that many seniors face.
“We see many clients that are faced with the difficult task of covering their healthcare expenses,” said Lynn Domenech of Ocala Comfort Keepers. “If they qualify for these funds, it takes a huge burden off of veterans and their families. This money can be used to ensure they are given access to the care they need.”
Qualifications
To qualify for the Veterans NSC Improved Pension Benefit Programs, a veteran must have 90 days or more of active duty with at least one of those days served during a US-declared war. The benefits are designed for those who meet specific financial criteria and demonstrate a physical need for healthcare.
The Department of Veterans Affairs determines active duty as full-time service, other than active duty for training, as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or as a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service, Environmental Science Services Administration or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or its predecessor, the Coast and Geodetic Survey.
Other qualifications and considerations:
- Discharge for any reason other than dishonorable conditions
- Over the age of 65 or disabled
- Total financial assets
- Physical condition
- Current marital status (if you are the surviving spouse of a veteran)
- Total gross income versus medical deduction
Stay tuned for part II of this subject where we’ll give you some steps you can take to find out how to get the benefits you deserve and need. Remember, we are Comfort Keepers and we are here to help! If you have questions about senior home care for your loved ones in Gainesville, The Villages, or Ocala Florida call us at 866-333-4737. We provide superior in-home care to seniors the elderly so they can live enriched independent lifestyles!
