Benefits · Long Term Care
How to apply for Kentucky State Veterans Centers (Long-Term Nursing Care)
Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA)
Who it's for
Kentucky operates five state veterans centers that provide skilled long-term nursing care for veterans: the Thomson-Hood Veterans Center, the Carl M. Brashear Radcliff Veterans Center, the Paul E. Patton Eastern Kentucky Veterans Center, the Joseph Eddie Ballard Western Kentucky Veterans Center, and the Robert E. Spiller Bowling Green Veterans Center. Admission is open to a veteran with a discharge that is not dishonorable who is a Kentucky resident on the date of admission and needs nursing care because of disease, wounds, or age. Federal VA per-diem support helps keep resident costs below typical private nursing homes, and veterans with a high service-connected disability rating may owe little or nothing — the admissions office can explain the cost for a specific situation. A DD-214, proof of Kentucky residency, insurance cards, and a responsible party's contact information are needed before admission.
Admission requires a discharge that is not dishonorable, Kentucky residency on the date of admission, and a clinical need for nursing care that the center can meet — and it depends on bed availability at a specific center. A veteran whose needs cannot be met by the center (for example, certain acute psychiatric or substance-use conditions) is not eligible. Call the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs to discuss admission and costs for a specific situation.
What you'll need
- DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork (discharge must not be dishonorable)
- Proof of Kentucky residency
- Insurance cards (Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance)
- Contact information for a responsible party
- Medical records supporting the nursing-care need
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 502-564-9203
What to say when you call
“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Kentucky State Veterans Centers (Long-Term Nursing Care). 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 dd-214 or other military discharge paperwork (discharge must not be dishonorable), proof of kentucky residency, insurance cards (medicare, medicaid, or private insurance) — 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.
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.