Updates to veterans’ home eligibility clear first round

Eligibility for admission to Nebraska veterans’ homes would be updated under a bill advanced from general file April 25.

Currently, among other qualifications, an individual must be at least 50 years old and “dependent on public charities” or in need of care available only at a state institution in order to be eligible to reside in a veterans’ home.

LB419, sponsored by Sen. Dan Lonowski of Hastings, would remove those requirements. It also would:
• change the term “domiciliary and nursing home care and subsistence” to “long-term care;”
• allow veteran aid payments to be approved by a state service officer in addition to a local or county service officer; and
• provide an exception for application for funeral expenses from a restriction that no claimant can originate a claim in more than one post at any given time.

A Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee amendment, adopted 41-0, would clarify that no more than one claim may be submitted in a 30-day period and provide an exception for claims relating to funeral expenses.

Lonowski said the bill would modernize antiquated language in state law and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Following adoption of the committee amendment, LB419 advanced to select file on a 42-0 vote.