Transitioning from TRICARE to VA Health Care

The following veterans are entitled to cost-free VA nursing home care: (1) veterans in need of nursing home care for a service-connected disability, and (2) any veteran with a combined service-connected disability rating of 70 percent or more who is in need of nursing home care. The requirement that a veteran have at least a combined 70 percent evaluation includes veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of 60 percent and who are unemployable or are rated “permanent and total.”

The VA may provide nursing home care to other veterans, but it is under no obligation to do so. Any such veteran receiving VA nursing home care who would be required to pay a copayment for VA hospital and outpatient care is also required to pay a copayment for VA nursing home care.