How to apply for Kentucky State Veterans Centers (Long-Term Nursing Care)

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.

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

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.

Step by step

1. Confirm eligibility before applying. The veteran must have a discharge that is not dishonorable, be a Kentucky resident on the date of admission, and have a clinical need for nursing care that a state veterans center can meet. Bed availability at a specific center also affects admission.
2. Gather the required documents: DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork, proof of Kentucky residency, Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance cards, contact information for a responsible party, and medical records that support the need for nursing care.
3. Choose how to apply — online or by phone at 502-564-9203. Calling is a good way to ask about bed availability, costs for a specific situation, and which of the five Kentucky veterans centers may be the best fit.
4. Submit the application through your chosen method and be ready to provide all gathered documents. The admissions office will review the veteran's discharge status, residency, and clinical needs.
5. Follow up with the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs if you have questions about the status of the application or need to discuss costs. Veterans with a high service-connected disability rating may owe little or nothing — the admissions office can explain what applies to a specific situation.

What to expect: After applying, the admissions office will review the veteran's eligibility, clinical needs, and bed availability at the requested center. Processing times vary, so contact the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs directly for an estimate. If a veteran's needs cannot be met by a state veterans center — for example, certain acute psychiatric or substance-use conditions — admission may not be possible, and the admissions office can help explore other options. There is no standard annual renewal noted for this program, but residents and their families should stay in contact with the center regarding any changes in care needs or insurance coverage.