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Veterans in Arizona
Arizona has one of the largest veteran populations in the country. With major military installations including Luke Air Force Base, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Fort Huachuca, and the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, combined with a large retirement population of veterans who moved to Arizona for its climate and lower cost of living, Arizona is home to hundreds of thousands of veterans across the Phoenix metro, Tucson, Prescott, and rural communities throughout the state.
Arizona's VA healthcare infrastructure reflects this: the Phoenix VA Health Care System (Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center) serves the greater Phoenix area; the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System serves Tucson and southern Arizona; and the Prescott VA Medical Center serves central and northern Arizona. Dozens of community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) extend VA access to smaller communities across the state.
The VA hospice benefit for Arizona veterans
Hospice care is included in the VA medical benefit package for eligible enrolled veterans. This means that veterans who are enrolled in VA healthcare can receive hospice services at no or minimal cost, provided through VA-based programs or contracted community providers.
VA-covered hospice in Arizona can include:
- In-home hospice care provided by VA-contracted community hospice agencies
- Inpatient hospice at VA-contracted facilities (when needed for acute symptom management or short-term inpatient care)
- Palliative care consultation through VA health care teams before the transition to hospice
- Coordination of Medicare and VA benefits for dual-eligible veterans
The VA and Medicare hospice benefits can sometimes be used together. For most veterans, Medicare is the primary payer for hospice services, and VA benefits cover additional needs — such as medications or supplies not covered under the Medicare hospice benefit. A hospice social worker experienced with VA coordination can help families understand what applies in their situation.
To access VA hospice, a veteran must be enrolled in VA healthcare. If your loved one is not yet enrolled, contact the nearest Arizona VA facility or call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 to begin the enrollment process.
MISSION Act community care for Arizona veterans
The VA MISSION Act (2018) expanded veterans' ability to receive care from community providers — including hospice — when VA facilities are not accessible within reasonable drive time or when VA cannot provide timely care. For hospice, veterans may qualify for MISSION Act community care when they meet access criteria, such as living more than 30 minutes from a VA hospice-providing facility.
This is particularly significant for Arizona veterans in rural areas — communities in western Arizona, the White Mountains, the Navajo Nation, or other areas far from a VA facility. Under MISSION Act, a veteran in Yuma, Kingman, or Safford who meets access criteria can receive hospice services from a local community hospice provider, with the VA paying for the care.
To determine MISSION Act eligibility, contact your nearest VA facility or ask the community hospice provider's VA liaison. Arizona hospice providers who contract with the VA are familiar with the authorization process and can help facilitate it.
We Honor Veterans programs in Arizona
We Honor Veterans is a national initiative developed by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) in partnership with the VA. It trains hospice providers in the unique needs and cultures of veterans — recognizing that military service, combat experience, and service-related conditions shape how veterans approach end of life.
Hospice agencies that participate in We Honor Veterans receive training in:
- Veteran-specific end-of-life concerns — including issues that may not be named as such: PTSD, moral injury, experiences from combat or military service that resurface at end of life
- Military culture competency — understanding the communication styles, values, and reluctance to ask for help that are common among veterans
- Veteran pinning and recognition ceremonies — honoring the veteran's service at end of life in a meaningful way
- Coordination with VA social workers and chaplains
We Honor Veterans participating hospices are rated at Levels 1–4, with Level 4 representing the highest degree of veteran-centered care. When evaluating Arizona hospice providers for a veteran, ask about their We Honor Veterans level and their specific experience with VA coordination and veteran end-of-life care.
Unique end-of-life needs of Arizona veterans
Veterans often have end-of-life experiences that differ from non-veterans. Hospice teams experienced with veteran care understand that:
- PTSD may intensify at end of life: Nightmares, hypervigilance, and intrusive memories can worsen as a veteran loses the ability to stay busy or distracted. Hospice teams trained in veteran care know how to address these symptoms.
- Moral injury is common and underrecognized: Combat veterans may carry profound guilt, regret, or spiritual distress related to actions during service. This requires a different approach than standard emotional support.
- Service-related pain and disability: Many Arizona veterans live with chronic pain, hearing loss, traumatic brain injury, or service-connected physical conditions that require careful consideration in hospice symptom management.
- Self-reliance can delay asking for help: Veterans often delay seeking support. Hospice teams experienced with veterans know how to build trust and engage veterans who are reluctant to accept care.
Arizona VA chaplains, social workers, and community organizations can supplement the hospice team's support for veterans and their families during this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the VA cover hospice care at home in Arizona?
Yes. Hospice is part of the VA medical benefit package for eligible enrolled veterans. It can be provided through VA programs or through contracted community hospice agencies across Arizona.
What VA facilities in Arizona provide or coordinate hospice?
The Phoenix VA Health Care System, the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (Tucson), and the Prescott VA Medical Center all provide or coordinate hospice. Community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) across Arizona can also facilitate referrals.
What is the MISSION Act and how does it affect Arizona veterans?
The MISSION Act allows eligible veterans to receive care from community providers — including hospice — when VA facilities are not accessible. Veterans in rural Arizona who meet access criteria can receive hospice from a local provider paid by the VA.
Can Arizona veterans use both VA and Medicare for hospice?
In many cases, yes. Medicare typically serves as the primary payer for hospice services, with VA benefits covering additional needs. A hospice social worker with VA experience can help coordinate coverage.
What is We Honor Veterans and which Arizona hospices participate?
We Honor Veterans is a national program training hospice providers in veteran-specific end-of-life care — including PTSD, moral injury, military culture, and VA coordination. Many Arizona hospices participate. Ask prospective providers about their We Honor Veterans level.
Are there copays for VA hospice in Arizona?
Many VA-covered hospice services are provided with no copay for eligible enrolled veterans. Copay requirements depend on VA priority group. Ask the VA social worker or hospice provider for clarification on your specific situation.
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