Veterans’ home eligibility updated

A measure that updates eligibility for admission to Nebraska veterans’ homes passed May 9.

LB419, sponsored by Sen. Dan Lonowski of Hastings, removes an existing requirement that an individual 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.

The bill also:
• changes the term “domiciliary and nursing home care and subsistence” to “long-term care;”
• allows veteran aid payments to be approved by a state service officer in addition to a local or county service officer; and
• provides an exception for application for funeral expenses from a restriction that no claimant may originate more than one claim within a 30-day period.

LB419 passed on a vote of 47-0.