Question Period Note: SUPPORT FOR VETERANS IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES

• Veterans Affairs places the highest priority on making sure our Veterans have the support they need, when they need it - and that includes access to long-term care.

• Veterans Affairs Canada supports approximately 2000 Veterans in almost 700 long-term care facilities across the country (31 October 2024).

• Veterans Affairs Canada collaborates with provinces, health authorities and facilities to meet the long-term care needs of Veterans. Our Government is, and will continue to be committed to supporting Canada's Veterans and their families.

• We are committed to ensuring that Veterans receive the respect, support, and care they deserve.

If Pressed:
• Veterans in long-term care may be required to contribute to the cost of their accommodation and meals up to the annual maximum.

• The maximum monthly accommodation and meals rate and income exemptions are updated annually on October 1st.

If Pressed on Pending Litigation:
• We are aware of the Statement of Claim filed in the Federal Court and will be reviewing it to determine the best way forward.
• We respect the right of Canadians to engage the Courts, and we will respond to the Statement of Claim through that process.

BACKGROUND – SUPPORT FOR VETERANS IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES

Financial support is provided for Veterans in provincially licensed, regulated or operated health care facilities, most of which provide care to other provincial residents as well as Veterans, including:
• facilities such as nursing homes and other long-term care facilities with beds that are open to Veterans as well as other provincial residents (community beds); and

• facilities with beds designated through contractual arrangements with the province, health authority and/or facility for priority access for Second World War and Korean War Veterans (contract beds).
As of October 31, 2024 , Veterans Affairs Canada was supporting approximately 2000 Veterans in almost 700 long-term care facilities across the country
Expenditures in fiscal year 2023-2024 totaled $151.8M. In the long-term care program, community beds accounted for $4M while $123M was expended on contract beds. The VIP intermediate care program accounted for a further $24.8M in expenditures.
Regardless of whether a Veteran is in a contract bed or community bed, the maximum contribution they will need to pay towards their accommodation and meals cost is currently $1,236.90 per month (effective October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025).

A Veteran’s accommodation and meals contribution is determined by considering their eligibility, their income, and their marital status.

Veterans who are admitted to long term care as a direct result of a condition for which they are in receipt of a disability benefit, or Seriously Disabled Veterans are not required to pay towards their accommodation and meals cost. Also, Veterans may have a reduced contribution if they are married and have a lower income, or if their spouse is also a Veteran in their Own Right.

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