The VA is proposing changes to the Aid and Attendance program. It is an attempt to streamline the system to award it faster while preventing those without economic or physical need from receiving it.
In January of this year, the Department of Veteran Affairs made some suggested changes to programs that it offers to veterans in need, including the Aid and Attendance program.
You can find the proposed changes in their entirety here. The changes come because of a 2012 report issued by the GAO.
Reasons for the change:
- Pension Used By Those Not In Need Financially or Physically: The VA had concerns that veterans and others were attempting to hide assets in order to gain access to the programs that were meant for needs-based veterans and their surviving spouses. Also, they felt that people were using the pension who did not really need it as they do not need care in the home.
- Excessive Care Costs: The VA desired to put a cap on the amount per hour that care companies charge for home care standards to come more in line with industry standards.
- Slow Response Time For Help: The VA realized that the speed at which they were able to award the pension was hindered by the complexity of the current application process, both to the VA and to those applying for the program. They feel the new regulations will allow the VA to award the pension in a more timely manner.
Proposed Changes:
- Establish a 3-year look-back for claimants to see if they are trying to hide assets through “gifts.”
- Deny any expenses related to independent living facilities as care costs UNLESS the veteran and/or spouse requires assistance with two or more activities of daily living (eating, bathing, getting dressed, etc).
- Impose penalties for up to 10 years for claimants who transfer assets before applying for pension to create the appearance of economic need where it does not exist
- Create a bright-line net worth standard of $119,220, which includes annual income (not including their residence – the goal is to streamline the process so qualified veterans and their spouses can get the award faster)
- Require veterans to sell their homestead property if the lot coverage exceeds 2 acres.
- Create a maximum amount that care companies can charge per hour for services.
We at 1 Assist Care have seen veterans and their spouses struggle as they have had to wait for approval for a program. Anything the VA can do to speed up the process, we are highly in favor of.
