All WWII Veterans now eligible for no-cost VA health care, nursing home services -John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, veterans writer

On Friday, November 10, 2023, the VA announced World War II Veterans are going to be eligible for free nursing home care. This is what we know as of today, its implications for Rhode Island, veterans in nursing homes, and at the Veterans Home:

The US Dept. of Veterans Affairs announcement:

“Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that all World War II Veterans are now eligible for no-cost VA health care, medical services, and nursing home care.

All WWII Veterans who served between Dec. 7, 1941, and Dec. 31, 1946, are eligible under this expansion, regardless of their length of service or financial status. These Veterans will not have to pay copays, enrollment fees or monthly premiums.

VA is reaching out by phone and mail to encourage WWII Veterans who are not currently enrolled in VA care to apply today. Veterans who enroll may also keep their private providers, Medicare, and most other insurance to meet their health care needs.

“These members of the Greatest Generation answered the call to serve when our nation – and the world – needed them most. Now, it’s our job to serve them in every way that we can,” said VA Under Secretary for Health, Dr. Shereef Elnahal. “We are proud to provide world-class, no-cost health care to these heroes at VA, and we encourage all of them to enroll today.”

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Nursing Homes & RI Veterans Home & Home Care

“Eligibility for this nursing home benefit will also assist the families of those WWII veterans who remain home and require additional assistance and caregiving” said John A Cianci, Rhode Island Department Commander for the Italian American War Veterans of RI.” Families should apply immediately, as approval might take a few months, but should be retroactive to the month the application is received by the VA.

RI Veterans Home would also be impacted. “This could save the WWII veteran at the veterans home an estimated $3500 to $7000 a month,” said Cianci.

Based on the current reimbursement for nursing home care paid by the VA and the WWII veterans,  the State of Rhode Island could net an estimated $3500 per month for each WWII veteran at the veterans home. However, those details are still unclear.

“With an estimated 40 vacant beds at the Veterans home, the state could fill the empty bed spaces with WWII veterans. For sure a positive impact on the budget of the Veteran’s Home,” Cianci said.

Throughout Rhode Island WWII veterans live in private nursing homes as well. This benefit can also be used at contracted private nursing home located in Rhode Island.

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More information to come…

On Saturday, November 18, 2023, Italian American War Veteran Veteran Service Officer will be at ROMA, Atwells Ave, Providence RI answering and assisting families and veterans who are eligible for this benefit. 

RINewsToday reached out to the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services to see how this impacted the estimated 12 WWII veterans at the RI Veterans Home, specifically we asked for a list of all private nursing homes contracted by the VA, how this new program will impact copayments for WWII veterans, etc. We will update on what we learn in Wednesday’s regular Veterans’ column.

This is a developing story.