The active military is an impressive force—1.3 million strong and growing every year. Service to your country is a noble endeavor, but even the most dedicated soldier can find it grueling. Troops not only have to worry about physical injuries but emotional damage as well. Knowing this, the Veterans Administration provides active troop and veterans support through medical coverage.
Because veterans deserve lifelong respect, the VA’s comprehensive medical package also covers hospice care. Many veterans and their families are unaware that this end-of-life program is fully covered and end up leaving the benefit unused. Taking advantage of the plan can help terminal patients find spiritual, emotional, and physical relief so that they can find joy in spending time with their loved ones.
How Is Veterans Support Hospice Care Different?
While comfort and dignity are important for any patient during end-of-life care, veterans deserve the utmost respect. The VA pays for hospice service to help veterans manage the physical, emotional, and mental trauma involved in this final stage. Even if their injury or illness doesn’t stem directly from their time in the service, every veteran has earned the right to a comfortable end.
Veterans hospice care coverage pays for a variety of services to fit an individual soldier’s needs. Treatments may include counseling, pain management, and even spiritual guidance as a veteran learns to accept a hard situation. Veterans can choose to be treated in a hospice house or spend their final days receiving treatment at home.
How Do VA Hospice Benefits Work?
Although hospice goes beyond physical care, it’s considered a medical service, with comprehensive coverage that matches the VA medical plan. Whether a veteran needs a bereavement counselor, home aid, case manager, chaplain, or all of the above, they shouldn’t have to pay a penny out of pocket.
That being said, there are specific requirements to be eligible for hospice care through the VA. First, you must be a veteran, a direct dependent of a veteran, or a surviving parent, spouse, or child of a deceased veteran. Active military members may also qualify.
In addition, to apply for hospice care coverage, you'll need to have:
• A life-limiting illness diagnosis • Comfort-focused treatment goals rather than actively seeking a cure • Six-months or less to live, as evidenced by a VA doctor
If you meet all of the requirements, any hospice care you receive from the VA or a VA-contracted organization will be covered in full.
Hospice of the Golden Isles is contracted with the VA to provide end-stage services to veterans. We consider ourselves privileged to support the heroes who supported our nation. Veterans in our Hospice House receive personalized care and recognition to assist them with their unique physical and emotional needs.
Our non-profit hospice team is happy to discuss our programs for both veterans and civilians. We take pride in helping families find happiness during a difficult time. To learn more about our Veterans Support Hospice Care in southeast coastal Georgia, call 912.265.4735.