Ukraine has launched a free long-term medical care program for veterans
A pilot project has been launched in Ukraine under which certain categories of male and female veterans can receive long-term medical care free of charge. The service is intended for people who, due to wounds, injuries, or serious illnesses, require ongoing medical, rehabilitative, and social assistance.
Long-Term Care for Veterans
The program will run until December 15, 2026. It is being implemented jointly by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, the Ministry of Health, and the National Health Service of Ukraine.
In particular, combat veterans and people with war-related disabilities are eligible for the service if their health condition requires significant assistance from others.
The medical criterion is a score of 30 points or less on the Barthel Index. This level of functional limitations must be confirmed by at least two assessments conducted at least 28 calendar days apart.
What the Program Covers
Long-term care encompasses more than just medical supervision. Patients will receive comprehensive care tailored to their condition and individual needs.
Specifically, healthcare professionals will monitor health status and medication intake, conduct necessary examinations and treatments, prevent complications, infections, and pressure ulcers, and provide pain relief.
The package also includes personal hygiene care, nutrition, supportive rehabilitation, and psychological and spiritual support. Family members or the patient’s legal representatives will be trained in home care and self-care skills.
The service is funded from the state budget through the National Health Service of Ukraine (NSZU). The state reimburses the healthcare facility for each day the patient is hospitalized.
The payment amount depends on the person’s functional status according to the Barthel Index:
5,452.52 UAH per day—for patients with a score of 20 points or less;
3,484.30 UAH per day—for patients with a score of 21 to 30 points.
The lower the Barthel Index score, the more assistance the patient requires and the higher the rate for their care.
How to Access the Service
To receive long-term care, a patient needs a referral from a family doctor or attending physician. A referral is not required if the patient is being transferred from another healthcare facility.
Healthcare facilities that meet the program’s requirements enter into contracts with the National Health Service of Ukraine (NSZU) to provide long-term care services.
The project is part of a new model of continuous support for veterans who suffer from significant consequences of wounds, injuries, or serious illnesses.
This was reported by the Kyiv City State Administration’s press service.
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