The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may provide long-term care for service-related disabilities or for certain eligible veterans. In 1999, the Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act expanded VA health programs to include many that may be of use to aging veterans with long-term care needs. The Act requires the VA to provide long-term care to veterans who meet established disability criteria, or to those who need care because of service-connected disabilities.

This bill expands access to nursing home care and other extended care services to veterans who do not have service-related disabilities, but who are unable to pay for the expenses of necessary care. For those who qualify, the benefits can provide financial assistance for some long-term care costs. Co-pays may apply depending on the veteran's income level. Middle-class veterans who need long-term care for non-service-related conditions may find it difficult to access VA benefits for long-term care.

The VA also has a Housebound and Aid and Attendance Allowance Program that provides cash grants to eligible disabled veterans and surviving spouses in lieu of formally provided homemaker, personal care and other services needed for assistance in Activities of Daily Living and other help at home.