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Veterans, Spouses, or Widows: Are you eligible for the Aid and Attendance Program?
"Aid and Attendance " is one of the nation's most underutilized federal benefit programs.
The veterans of our country are entitled to health benefit programs from our federal government. However, few take advantage of the Non-Service Connected Improved Pension Benefit, commonly referred to as the "Aid and Attendance" benefits program. The program's purpose is to assist Veterans as well as spouses or widows with paying their out-of-pocket medical expenses. Officials with Veteran Affairs (VA) consider the program as one of the department's most underutilized offerings. Here's why: most veterans do not know about it, or how to apply. BLS Advisors, a financial planning firm located in Riverdale, NJ, is making strides to serve those who once served our country. BLS recognized the lack of benefit information available to veterans in the community and has taken action to bring awareness to this particularly underutilized benefit. BLS employs a full-time office staff member who works pro-bono in collaboration with the Veterans Affairs office to assist local veterans not only with obtaining the initial qualification requirements but also throughout the application process. "I find it alarming that so many eligible veterans in New Jersey do not know that the "Aid and Attendance" program even exists," stated Barbara Steinberg, president of BLS Advisors. "I've personally worked with people who were struggling to pay the high costs of assisted living or home healthcare on a limited income or with their retirement savings. This program could offer them up to $20,924 per year in assistance for their out-of-pocket medical costs. A benefit such as this greatly impacts the quality of one's life, and the veterans of our community need to know about it, and how to apply." A recent study commissioned by the VA suggested only one-fourth of eligible veterans nationwide, and about 17 percent of eligible widows, are participating in the benefits of this program. The "Aid and Attendance" provides veterans assistance with out-of-pocket medical expenses, including home health care and assisted living facilities. Additionally, those who qualify for "Aid and Attendance" may also qualify for full VA health care and prescription benefits as well. However, there are many misconceptions surrounding the qualifications for this benefit. A veteran who qualifies for this benefit is either at least 65 years of age or disabled, served 90 days or more in active duty for any branch of the armed services with one day during war time, and with a discharge of any kind other than dishonorable. Widows or widowers of veterans may also be eligible to participate in these benefits. The program's eligibility is formulated by the cost of all non-reimbursable medical expenses against a veteran's income including: medications, doctor visits, co-payments, dentist visits, glasses, Medicare deduction, insurance premiums, assisted living facilities and in-home health care expenses. Any veterans who were denied benefits from the VA health care program because of income level restrictions might still qualify for "Aid and Attendance" if their medical costs are high enough. "Qualification for these benefits is rather straight-forward," stated Steinberg. But she warns, "If a veteran is considering home health care or an assisted living facility as an immediate option, they need to apply now. The process can take several months."
Attention Readers: The original author of this article is no longer handling calls. For information please contact your local Veteran's Administration or Right At Home homecare agency,
A VA specialist will be happy to assist you.
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