Many people are surprised to learn that most long term care (LTC) is provided in the home.  For those who require LTC services, staying at home helps to maintain independence, dignity and quality of life.   A valuable benefit of LTC Insurance is the ability to receive care in the setting you prefer, which is usually home.  The #1 reason that people give for purchasing this coverage is to relieve the physical, emotional, and financial caregiving burden of family members.  Home can be your place of residence, a family member’s home, or an apartment in a retirement community.

 Once you are benefit eligible and have a care plan, the LTC policy can cover home health aides, homemaker services, personal care services, and skilled services from a professional care provider such as a nurse or physical, occupational or speech therapist.  Benefits can also include a registered respiratory therapist, licensed social worker, or registered dietician.  It is recommended that your LTC policy provide benefits for services from both non-medical (personal care) and medical (Medicare-certified) home care agencies.  Some older policies cover only medical home care agencies.  Most LTC policies pay benefits on a reimbursement basis, although cash or indemnity payouts are an option at time of purchase.

 LTC policies typically pay for home modifications, durable medical equipment (not covered by Medicare), caregiver training, home safety checks, provider care checks, and medical alert systems.  Hospice at home is covered.  Transportation (in a wheelchair-equipped van) for doctor visits may be included although this is not a typical covered benefit.  Many LTC policies include funds for a local professional care advocate to provide support services for the individual needing care as well as the entire family.  Provider discounts for home care agencies may be available through the policy and these discounts can also be used by other family members. 

 Claims data from LTC insurance carriers indicate that one-third to one-half of claims are now paid for Home Care and Community-based services, including Adult Day Care, with the remainder for care in Assisted Living Facilities and Nursing Homes.  Home care claims are increasing.  LTC insurance is really “anti-nursing home insurance!”    

Call or email Karen for more information on Long Term Care Insurance.

Call A Caring Choice at (513) 574-4148 if your loved one needs help at home.