Does VA Pay for Hospice Room and Board?
Navigate VA support for veteran hospice care. Discover if room and board costs are covered and how to access essential end-of-life benefits.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides comprehensive healthcare services to eligible veterans, encompassing a wide range of medical needs, including end-of-life care. Hospice care within the VA system focuses on comfort and support for veterans facing a life-limiting illness. This specialized care aims to enhance the quality of life for both the veteran and their family.
VA Coverage of Hospice Room and Board
Whether the VA covers hospice room and board depends largely on the care setting. The VA covers the full scope of hospice services, such as medical care, pain management, medications, supplies, and interdisciplinary team visits, regardless of whether care is provided by a VA facility or a VA-contracted community provider. There are no copays for these direct hospice services.
However, the VA does not cover room and board costs associated with private, community-based hospice facilities, nursing homes, or at a veteran’s home. While the VA covers medical and support services provided by the hospice team in these settings, the veteran or their family remains responsible for daily living expenses. An exception exists for hospice care provided within VA-owned facilities, such as VA Community Living Centers (CLCs) or dedicated VA hospice units. In these specific VA settings, room and board are covered.
Room and board may also be covered during short-term respite care stays. Respite care provides temporary relief for caregivers and can include room and board in a VA CLC or a community nursing home for a limited period. Copays for respite care may apply based on the veteran’s service-connected disability status and financial information. Veterans should consult a VA representative, as certain programs or circumstances, including service-connected disabilities or income levels, might offer assistance with room and board costs in some hospice facilities.
Eligibility for VA Hospice Care
To qualify for VA hospice care, a veteran must first be enrolled in the VA healthcare system. This enrollment is required to access VA medical benefits, including end-of-life services. Once enrolled, the veteran must meet specific medical criteria for hospice care.
A VA physician must certify that the veteran has a life-limiting illness with a prognosis of six months or less. The veteran’s treatment goals must be focused on comfort and symptom management rather than pursuing curative treatments for the terminal illness. While service-connected conditions can influence priority for care and some benefit aspects, the core eligibility for hospice care is based on these medical needs and VA enrollment.
Accessing VA Hospice Benefits
Initiating VA hospice benefits involves several steps. Veterans or their families should begin by contacting the veteran’s existing VA primary care team or their local VA medical center. This initial contact helps facilitate necessary referrals and assessments. VA staff can provide guidance on eligibility and navigate the enrollment process if the veteran is not already enrolled in VA healthcare.
A comprehensive assessment by VA healthcare providers will determine the medical necessity for hospice services, confirming the diagnosis and prognosis. If care is provided outside a VA facility, the VA will coordinate with community hospice agencies to ensure seamless service delivery. The VA guides veterans and their families through available options based on their eligibility and medical needs. Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) can also offer valuable assistance in navigating the application process and understanding benefits. Necessary documentation, such as the veteran’s military discharge papers (DD-214), may be required.