How to apply for Iowa Veterans Home (Marshalltown): nursing and residential care for veterans and spouses

Who it's for

The Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown is a state-owned long-term care home for Iowa veterans. It gives professional long-term nursing care and residential (domiciliary) care to about 400 residents on a 150-acre campus. Iowans who can be admitted are honorably discharged veterans, the dependent spouses or surviving spouses of honorably discharged veterans, and Gold Star parents. A veteran with a VA disability rating of 70% or higher who needs nursing care pays nothing out of pocket for care and services. Applicants must need residential or nursing care, and a committee decides the level of care; if no bed is open, the name goes on a waiting list. Applications are available at each county Commission of Veterans Affairs office and each VA medical center. Call the admissions coordinator at 1-800-645-4591 or 641-753-4325.

What you'll need

• Iowa Veterans Home application (from your county Commission of Veterans Affairs office or a VA medical center)
• A physical exam with lab and x-ray tests, verified on the application by a local doctor or a VA medical center physician
• Proof of honorable discharge (your county Commission of Veterans Affairs confirms veteran status)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Iowa Veterans Home (Marshalltown): nursing and residential care for veterans and spouses. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need iowa Veterans Home application (from your county Commission of Veterans Affairs office or a VA medical center), a physical exam with lab and x-ray tests, verified on the application by a local doctor or a VA medical center physician, proof of honorable discharge (your county Commission of Veterans Affairs confirms veteran status) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Get an Iowa Veterans Home application from your county Commission of Veterans Affairs office or a VA medical center.
2. Gather proof of honorable discharge. Your county Commission of Veterans Affairs can confirm veteran status.
3. Complete a physical exam with lab and x-ray tests. Have a local doctor or a VA medical center physician verify the exam on the application.
4. Call the admissions coordinator at 1-800-645-4591 or 641-753-4325 to ask questions, apply by phone, or get help with the application.
5. Submit the completed application and required medical and discharge information as instructed by admissions.
6. Be ready for the home’s admissions committee to review your case and decide the level of care needed.
7. If you are applying as a spouse, make sure you were married to the veteran for at least one year before applying.

What to expect: After you apply, the admissions committee reviews Iowa residency, veteran or spouse status, medical need for residential or nursing care, and bed availability. If no bed is open, your name can be placed on a waiting list. A veteran with a VA disability rating of 70% or higher who needs nursing care pays nothing out of pocket for care and services. Ask admissions what others may pay. No renewal information was provided.