VA Expands Non-Nursing Home Care Options for Disabled Veterans
Published Date: 1/12/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting September 11, 2025, the VA can spend more money to help certain veterans get care outside nursing homes. Veterans with ALS, spinal cord injuries, or similar conditions can now get extra support if it’s best for their health. This change means fewer vets will have to pay extra out of pocket, making care easier and fairer.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Non-Institutional Care Covered at 100%
Starting September 11, 2025, the VA will pay up to 100% of the nursing home rate in a fiscal year for eligible veterans who need non-institutional care. This replaces the prior 65% cap and means fewer veterans will have to assume liability for remaining costs or be forced into nursing home admission.
Case-By-Case Approval Above 100%
For veterans whose non-institutional care costs would exceed 100% of the nursing home rate, VA may approve additional spending on a case-by-case basis after clinical review. VA anticipates this will primarily apply to veterans with ALS, spinal cord injuries or similar conditions and expects fewer than 30 veterans per fiscal year will need costs above 100%.
Services Eligible Under Expanded Payments
Under the expanded authority, VA may pay for specific non-institutional services up to the nursing home rate, including Homemaker/Home Health Aide, Home Respite, Community Adult Day Health Care, Veteran Directed Care, Skilled Home Health Care, and Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. These services can now be funded up to 100% of the nursing home rate beginning September 11, 2025.
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