Veterans Long-Term Care
Our Native communities have a long history of distinguished military service with enlistment rates higher than any other population group nationwide. As the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continues to expand support options — including long-term care — we have the opportunity to assist our Veterans in accessing the care they have earned through their service. Native Veterans may be eligible to receive help with everyday tasks and managing chronic conditions at home, in the community, or within a residential facility. These services can also include daily living support and assistance for family caregivers.
VA long-term care services are designed to meet a Veteran's needs at every stage of aging or recovery. These services may be provided in the home, through community programs, or in residential settings.
Common VA Long-Term Care Services
- Homemaker and home health aide care
- Skilled home care
- Home-based primary care
- Veteran-directed care
- Adult day health care
- Respite care
- Telehealth
- Palliative care
- Hospice care
- VA community living centers
- State Veterans homes
- Community nursing homes
- Family Caregiver Assistance Program
The VA has information on geriatrics and extended care.
Tribal Partnerships with the VA
Tribal nations can contract with the VA to receive reimbursement for eligible services delivered to benefit eligible Veterans in their community. This is done through the memorandum of understanding (MOU) and national reimbursement agreement between the VA and Indian Health Service (IHS). This partnership helps to expand access to culturally grounded care and allow Veterans to receive specific services closer to home.
Paying for VA Long-Term Care
Some Veterans may have all or part of their long-term care services covered through VA benefits. The amount of coverage varies by service history, medical condition, and care needs.
Only the VA can determine eligibility and benefit levels. Veterans and their families can contact the VA or a tribal Veterans service officer (TVSO) for assistance with applications and benefit information.
Native Veteran Co-Pay Exemption
An important piece of information to share with the Veteran's in your community is the Native Veteran Co-Pay Exemption. Veterans who are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes are exempt from paying VA copays for medical services. To receive this exemption, Veterans must complete specific steps to verify tribal enrollment. TVSOs can also help Veterans complete the steps for the verification process and ensure their exemption is properly recorded.
Additional Resources and Information for Native Veterans
The Office of Tribal Government Relations
The Office of Tribal
Government Relations (OTGR) works to strengthen communication and collaboration between the VA and
tribal nations. OTGR assists tribes in developing partnerships, navigating agreements, and improving access to
VA health and long-term care programs for Native Veterans.
Tribal Veterans Service Officers
TVSOs provide free local assistance to Veterans and their families seeking federal and state benefits. They help
Veterans navigate the VA's application and enrollment processes for compensation, pensions, healthcare,
long-term care, and burial benefits, including support for surviving spouses.
To find a local TVSO for your area, you can search either the state's Department of Veteran Affairs website or the national database maintained by the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers.
Disabled American Veterans
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a nationwide nonprofit providing disabled
Veterans with a variety of supportive services and advocacy. DAV offers help with making benefit claims,
arranging transport to medical appointments, and also employment support services.
Need More Information?
For detailed eligibility questions, benefit applications, or service enrollment, Veterans should contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or a TVSO.
To find VA clinics or other VA contracted healthcare locations, use the VA's Facility Finder.