Once you have realized that you, your parents or a friend may need assistance to remain at home, you have probably discovered that Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance do not pay for non-medical care, such as personal care, light housekeeping, meal preparation, or transportation, provided at home. The next question is: “I need it, but how will I pay for it?”
There are several options, however one of the most underutilized benefits is the US Military Veteran’s Aid and Attendance program. Never heard of it? You’re not alone! This is an earned benefit for Veterans age 65 or older who served 90 consecutive days on active duty, one day of which was in a time when the country was at war, and received a better than dishonorable discharge. This is financial help to pay for unreimbursed medical expenses for wartime veterans and their widows. The widow must not have divorced the veteran or remarried after the veteran’s death. The veteran must be certified by a doctor as needing assistance with their activities of daily living.
