The economics are advantageous to all.  A Veteran choosing MFH pays for the MFH.  However, the Veteran (both non-service connected and service connected) is assisted by maximizing VBA funds that the Veteran would receive. The VA administrative costs is less than $10 per day, and the cost of HBPC (clinical care, medications and supplies) averages less than $50 per day.   Some MFH Veterans are eligible for fully VA-paid nursing home care - yet they choose to remain in the community spending their personal funds for MFH because they greatly prefer this type of personalized care.   As such, MFH is a welcome alternative to nursing home placement that is safe, favorable to Veterans, economically advantageous to the VA facility, and contributes to community development.  With total costs of MFH about half that of nursing home, MFH is a very cost-effective alternative for both Veteran and the VA.

MFH began as a pilot program in Little Rock, Arkansas in 2000 with two more programs in Tampa, Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico.  As a result of its impressive success and potential as a long term care option for Veterans of all ages, MFH has expanded to a growing number of VA facilities noted, on the following pages, through the “Support at Home – Where Heroes Meet Angels” initiative.  Veterans with disabling polytrauma conditions are also receiving care through MFH.                        Note: The VA has additional established programs to assist an enrolled Veteran who may wish to reside with a family member - without the home needing to satisfy the formal requirements outlined on these pages to become a VA Medical Foster Home where up to two additional Veterans may also reside and require assistance.

For example, VA Home-Based Primary Care can provide much needed visits to the family’s home to provide eligible Veteran’s clinical support and caregiver training; VA can potentially pay a community home health agency to provide skilled nursing, home health aide services; and home health equipment, etc.  And the Veteran may potentially qualify for enhanced financial benefits from the VA to help offset some of the anticipated caregiver expenses assumed by the Veteran’s family. For the Veteran and/or family to further discuss these considerations - without needing to formalize a MFH application – inquire through the local VA Social Work office.

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