How to apply for Michigan Veteran Homes (State Long-Term Care)

Who it's for

Michigan operates three state veteran homes — in Grand Rapids, Chesterfield Township, and Marquette (D.J. Jacobetti) — providing skilled nursing care and short-term rehabilitation for veterans. A veteran eligible for VA health care or VA financial assistance for long-term care may be admitted with an honorable discharge. Subject to space, a spouse, surviving spouse, or Gold Star parent of an eligible veteran may also be admitted. Costs depend on VA benefits, insurance, and a financial assessment; VA per-diem support keeps rates below typical private nursing homes. Apply directly to the chosen home with the discharge paperwork.

What you'll need

• Military discharge document (DD-214 or equivalent)
• Copies of Medicare and/or other health insurance cards
• Completed admission application for the chosen home

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Michigan Veteran Homes (State Long-Term 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 military discharge document (dd-214 or equivalent), copies of medicare and/or other health insurance cards, completed admission application for the chosen home — 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 basic eligibility before applying. Admission requires an honorable discharge and eligibility for VA health care or VA financial assistance for long-term care. Veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980 generally need 24 continuous months of service. Spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star parents of an eligible veteran may also apply, subject to space and other requirements. Call 800-642-4838 (1-800-MICH-VET) to discuss a specific situation.
2. Choose which Michigan Veteran Home you want to apply to. The three locations are in Grand Rapids, Chesterfield Township, and Marquette (D.J. Jacobetti). Admission depends on space at the chosen home, so it helps to ask about current availability when you call.
3. Gather your required documents. You will need your military discharge document (DD-214 or equivalent) and copies of your Medicare and/or other health insurance cards.
4. Complete the admission application for the home you have chosen. You can start the application online or by calling 800-642-4838 (1-800-MICH-VET).
5. Submit the completed application and your supporting documents directly to the chosen home, following the instructions provided during the application process.

What to expect: After submitting your application, the admissions team at the chosen home will review your eligibility and assess the level of care you need. Processing times vary, so ask the admissions team for an estimate when you apply. Costs are determined based on your VA benefits, insurance coverage, and a financial assessment; VA per-diem support generally keeps rates below those of typical private nursing homes. There is no fixed renewal cycle noted for this program, but the admissions team can answer questions about ongoing eligibility and residency requirements — call 800-642-4838 (1-800-MICH-VET) with any questions.