Some AFRH vets to see rent hike

GULFPORT, Miss. – For some veterans living at the nation’s two Armed Forces Retirement Homes here in Gulfport and Washington, D.C., will see rent double beginning Oct. 1, the start of the U.S. government’s FY 2019, to cover $22M in yearly deficits to operate the homes. Residents were informed April 2 that their rent, currently capped at 40 percent of income, will be capped at 60 percent. Rent would go from a maximum $1,458/month to a high of $3,054, which AFRH claims is the actual cost of care. Some 10 percent of residents in independent living facilities are expected to pay the new maximum fees, according to the AFRH. No residents in long-term care or memory support are expected to pay maximum fees, and their rent will decrease from 80 to 70 percent. Rent for independent living includes a private room in the Gulfport facility that overlooks the Mississippi Sound, meals, a wellness center, a doctor on site or on call, dental, vision and other medical care, all medication and transportation. AFRH’s new CEO, retired Army Maj. Gen. Stephen Rippe, believes it’s as good as any retirement community, at any cost, in America. (Source: Sun Herald 04/09/18)