long term health care insurance

Long-term care insurance, an insurance product sold through a licensed insurance agent (one who represents the insurance company) or an insurance broker (one who represents the policyowner) in the United States, helps provide for the cost of long-term care beyond a pre-determined period.

Individuals who require long-term care are generally not sick in the traditional sense, but instead, are old and frail and unable to perform at least two of the basic activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, eating, toileting, getting in and out of a bed or chair, and walking.

As an individual ages, there is an increased risk of needing long-term care. In the United States, Medicare will not cover the expenses of long-term care, but Medicaid will for those who can not afford to pay. Long Term Care Insurance: Ex-broker tells all - Affordable strategies | Quotes confuse it with "long term health care insurance".

Benefits of Long-Term Care Insurance

In the United States, Medicaid generally does not cover long term care provided in a home setting; in most cases, Medicaid does not pay for assisted living. However, Medicaid does provide services for people with low income or limited resources who "need nursing home care but can stay at home with special community care services. " [1] People who need long term care traditionally prefer care in the home or in a private room in an assisted living facility.

If home care coverage is purchased, long term care insurance can pay for home care, often from the first day it is needed. It will pay for a live-in caregiver, companion, housekeeper, therapist or private-duty nurse up to 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.