Black Stone In the News | Press Releases | Awards
Home Care by Black Stone Announces Veterans Benefits Aid
Local Home Care Provider Partners with Service to Provide Access to Potential Veterans Benefits
Dayton, OH – November 8, 2010 – With 36 million Americans over the age of 65 and nearly 1 in 3 a Veteran, married to a Veteran or the Widow of a Veteran, there is a little known program which opens the door to the VA health care system for seniors. Dubbed the Aid & Attendance Benefit, it can provide money for assisted living, adult day care and home health care. In order to help Dayton veterans obtain their rightful benefits, Home Care by Black Stone, a leading provider of in-home caregiving services in Southwest Ohio, today announced a partnership with US Veterans Resources, Inc. (USVR)
Through this partnership, Home Care by Black Stone will work with the US Veterans Resources to field inquiries and conduct a preliminary eligibility review. If qualified, the USVR case manager will help veterans fill out the proper paperwork and guide them through the process, with no out of pocket cost to the veteran.
“Health care has become very cost prohibitive for many of our seniors. We want only the best care for our local community and as a result we are always seeking ways to provide aid and service programs to seniors. Our partnership with US Veterans Resources will bring a much needed information source to our veterans and hopefully result in many being able to receive untapped benefits,” said David Tramontana, CEO, Home Care by Black Stone.
For years, the VA program has provided monthly payments to veterans and their spouses who have high out-of-pocket medical costs, and who are disabled, over the age of 65 or homebound, to help them offset health care expenses. The eligibility formula balances income against medical bills, so middle-class vets could qualify for payments as high as $1,949 a month. A recent study commissioned by the VA suggested that less than 5% of eligible veterans nationwide, and about 17% of eligible widows, are participating.
Tramontana continued, “Eligibility for the benefit is fairly simple. Any veteran who served 90 days or more in active duty, with at least one day in wartime, and who was honorably discharged may qualify. Widows and widowers of veterans also are eligible.”
In order to qualify the following considerations are taken into account: Out-of-pocket medical expenses – including medications, insurance premiums and assisted living fees – are deducted from monthly income when determining eligibility. If the expenses exceed the income, the veteran is eligible. A doctor also must certify that the applicant's health requires him or her to receive care from others.
For more information on the program and to determine eligibility, contact US Veterans Resources at (513) 297-5994.
About the Black Stone Family of Care Services
Since 1996, the Black Stone Family of Care Services has been serving any in-home care need of the frail elderly and disabled through a variety of funding sources and programs. In fact, Black Stone is the leading provider of non-medical services in Southwest Ohio. Black Stone provides families with the peace of mind that comes from expert and compassionate care in the comfort of home. Services provided range from non-medical to nursing and include meal preparation, grocery shopping, respite and personal care, medication reminders, OT, PT, and geriatric care management. With reliable and knowledgeable caregivers who have been extensively screened, the Black Stone Family of Care Services can provide care to fit any need at any time.
For more information, visit www.blackstonehc.com or call 937-643-2242.