The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has authorized a VA long-term care center in Holyoke, Massachusetts. This will be built with federal funds of $160 million. The state of Massachusetts will also request more funds and complete program requirements. Here’s what we know. Suggested read:The Veteran Directed Care Program Empowers the Military Community

VA Long-Term Care Lawsuit in Holyoke During COVID-19

In spring 2020, 84 Veterans passed away due to COVID-19, and there were others who fell victim to severe consequences of the virus. The Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, Massachusetts, was blamed, as this home had up to three people in one room, contributing to the spread of the virus. In fact, a $56 million settlement was reached by Veterans and their families who suffered from the outbreak. The plaintiffs consisted of Veterans who resided at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home between March 1, 2020, and June 23, 2020, and those who got sick or died from the virus at that time. People who suffered from and survived COVID would receive at least $10,000, and families of the deceased would receive at least $400,000. Another lawsuit was dismissed, which was filed by the employees of this facility, who claimed that they were working under inhumane working conditions during the beginning of the virus. The superintendent of the home was reported to lack leadership skills in running the facility.

A New Project

Back in August, the State Department of Veterans Services accidentally announced that a Soldiers’ Home was going to be built for $130 million, despite the fact that the money hadn’t even been received yet. The state was still on the list and waiting to find out if they would be awarded the funding by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Governor Charlie Baker wanted a new long-term care facility with private rooms, 180 to 204 beds, an adult day health center, and other amenities for $400 million; however, the Holyoke project was just fifth on the list due to the high costs for construction and labor. The VA also didn’t have enough funds to allot to every project. Despite this, a California project dropped out for funding, allowing the VA long-term care project to apply for construction funding. They were able to make the August 7 deadline.

Benefits and Eligibility

Based on the old Holyoke home, VA benefits for long-term care in the facility will most likely include:

• Room and board.
• Shelter.
• Fuel.
• Clothing.
• Food.
• Utilities.
• Personal needs.
• Household supplies.
• Medical attention: doctor, dentist, hospital, medication, ambulance, and long-term nursing care.
• Outpatient department.

VA long-term care eligibility requirements, again based on the previous home, will most likely be based on your status as a Veteran, and anyone interested will need to submit an application in order to verify their eligibility. Certain factors that will be taken into consideration might include medical needs, the ability of the facility to meet and care for those needs, and the number of beds available. Under Massachusetts law, a Veteran is someone who served 180 days of regular active duty, was released under honorable military discharge, or served 90 days of active duty service where one day was during wartime. We can also speculate that 75% of the costs will be covered by the state, and 25% of the costs will be covered by the City Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Long-Term Care Isn't a Privilege - It's a Right

Richard Neal, Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, has supported the Holyoke VA long-term care center and stated, “When our brothers and sisters went to war, we as a nation promised indubitable support and quality care upon their return… Our Veterans deserve the best care possible, and this is a tremendous step toward ensuring they receive nothing less.” The goal of the new VA long-term care facility will be to provide personal and quality health care services to the Veterans of Massachusetts – care that doesn’t put them in danger, unlike its predecessor. This is another great step toward providing our nation’s heroes with the care and support they deserve. Read more:The Veteran Sheepdogs of America Fight For Veteran Healthcare