What is long-term care insurance and how can it help me?

Long-term care insurance is one way to pay for a variety of services used by people with disabilities or chronic illnesses, including in-home care, community programs such as adult day services, assisted living, and nursing home care. Ordinary health insurance policies and Medicare usually do not pay for long-term care expenses. Medicaid covers some long-term care costs, such as nursing home care and limited in-home care services, but only for a person who meets income and asset limits, as well as medical criteria. While long-term care insurance may be the right answer for some families, for others it can be unaffordable, inaccessible, or too late to provide assistance. Premium costs vary greatly depending on the age and health status of the purchaser, the benefits covered by the policy, and many other factors.

To find out more about long-term care insurance, visit:

Insurance Information Institute

An online service allows users to search for an insurer in your state for any type of insurance, including long-term care.
www.iii.org

 

AARP

Offers resources, information and “consumer tips” for finding and purchasing long-term care insurance.
www.aarp.org

 

United Seniors Health Council

Specializes in consumer health and health insurance issues. The council publishes a newsletter and sells books on long-term care and long-term care insurance.