Introduction to Long-Term Care

LTC

Long Term Care Insurance

What is Long Term Care

Long Term Care is the assistance individuals need when they are unable to care for themselves and need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) - bathing, dressing, transferring, toileting, continence (control of bodily functions), and eating - or they have severe cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer's disease. The need for long term care can result from an accident, chronic illness or short-term disability, or from advance age.

Long term care can include a broad range of services, provided in any setting outside a hospital. It might be help with simple daily tasks like bathing or dressing. It might include skilled care in your own home, an assisted living facility, some other community resources, or a nursing facility.

Who Needs Long Term Care

Some Misconceptions about Medicaid and Medicare

Medicaid

Medicaid pays for health services for the very poor of any age. Qualifications for Medicaid vary by state. Being eligible for Medicaid does not guarantee placement in a nursing home. There may be long waiting lists for facility care. Depending on the state and facility, Medicaid patients often receive lesser-quality care than patients who are paying on their own. Under Medicaid, nursing home care is essentially the only option. Home care, assisted living facility care, adult daycare, outpatient services, and alternate caregiver services are not usually reimbursed under Medicaid.

Medicare

Medicare pays for health care for people 65 and over and for those who are disabled. Medicare does not pay for long term medical service such as assisted living or adult day care. Medicare pays only the first 100 days of skilled care, such as physical therapy or nursing, which only accounts for 5% of all long term care costs. You are eligible for the care only if you have been in the hospital for at least three days. The personal care must relate to the treatment of an illness or injury.

Exceptions, Limitations and Exclusions

Most long term care insurance policies will not pay benefits for any confinement, care, treatment, or service(s):

Pre-existing Conditions

You could be declined coverage if you already have the following condition(s):

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