How to apply for Tennessee State Veterans' Homes (Long-Term Care)

Who it's for

Tennessee operates five State Veterans' Homes providing skilled nursing care for honorably discharged veterans with a Tennessee connection: Murfreesboro, Humboldt, Knoxville (Ben Atchley), Clarksville (Brig. Gen. Wendell H. Gilbert), and Cleveland. Spouses and Gold Star parents may be admitted on a space-available basis. A veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 70% or more can have the VA cover 100% of the cost of the stay through the VA higher per-diem; other residents may pay through Medicare, TennCare (Medicaid), long-term care insurance, or privately. Admission requires needing a skilled level of care, and each home reviews applications individually.

What you'll need

• DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork (honorable discharge required)
• VA disability award letter, if rated (70%+ service-connected can mean the VA covers the full cost)
• Medical records supporting the skilled level-of-care need (history and physical, medications, labs)
• Marriage certificate for spouse admission

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Tennessee State Veterans' Homes (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 dd-214 or other military discharge paperwork (honorable discharge required), va disability award letter, if rated (70%+ service-connected can mean the va covers the full cost), medical records supporting the skilled level-of-care need (history and physical, medications, labs) — 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.