What is Long-Term Care Insurance? 

Simply put, it’s an insurance product that helps pay for the costs of long-term care. This type of insurance covers additional medical care and support services that most health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid won’t cover.

Long-term insurance covers care in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or another facility, and in-home nursing care, such as home health aides and companion care.

The benefits are many. And, if your primary care doctor recommends that home-based care is necessary, then you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket.

What is Medicare?

Medicare long-term care insurance is not a perfect solution, and you must meet certain requirements to qualify.

Medicare is a national health insurance program run by the federal government. Medicare covers people aged sixty-five and older.

  • Some people under age 65 may also qualify due to a disability
  • Medicare helps millions of American seniors cover some of their healthcare costs. There are four distinct parts to Medicare.

Part A – Inpatient hospital care

Part B – Doctors’ visits

Part C – Also called Medicare Advantage plan is another choice that combines parts A & B. These Medicare plans may include dental, vision and hearing, however, you should research the options and be sure you understand the coverage and out-of-pocket costs.

Part D – Prescription drugs

Additionally, you should familiarize yourself with Medigap or Medicare supplemental plans. You can find information on these options through AARP or Humana.

Medicare supplemental plans help give people more healthcare choices, so they can pick the healthcare plan that best meets their needs.

Medicaid

Medicaid benefits are intended for lower-income people and the program is structured as a federal-state partnership. This means the Federal Government sets the core requirements on eligibility and benefits, and states are entitled to matching funds from the federal Medicaid program. Each state has some flexibility to administer the benefits within the federal guidelines. Entitlement to Medicaid programs may vary depending on the state where you live. You can learn more about Medicaid at Medicaid.gov

It is important to know your options before enrolling in a long-term care plan. If you don’t have a lot of money, Medicaid may not be the best option. A professional such as Mazaltov Home Care Services can help you choose the best option.

Private long-term care insurance may provide additional financial assistance in times of crisis. Most plans pay out up to $150,000 for each person. By purchasing long-term care insurance, you can protect your assets and keep more money in your pocket. And if you don’t need a nursing home, Medicaid will pay the difference.

Long-term Care Services and Support

Millions of Americans require long-term care services and support. Many suffer from disabilities, chronic illnesses, and other health issues that make daily tasks difficult or impossible. Medicaid covers certain services that can be costly to access without insurance. Fortunately, Medicaid also covers services that can be provided in a home or community-based setting. For Medicaid participants, the costs of personal care assistance can be as low as $1,200 per month.

Medicare covers skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, and regular home care for up to 21 days. Unlike traditional health insurance, however, Medicare does not cover assistance with daily living activities, such as getting dressed or eating. Some policies also pay for the cost of durable medical equipment that is necessary for a person to continue living independently. In some cases, Medicaid covers only a part of the costs, making long-term care insurance a better option for many people.

The term “long-term services and supports” refers to a broad range of health and personal care services. They can range from basic housekeeping to complex care, from transportation to help with paying bills. In the past, most Americans received LTSS in an institutional setting such as a nursing home or intermediate care facility. However, access to HCBS (home and community-based services) often has a long waiting list. Most of the time, elderly people in need of medical assistance and support services would prefer to remain in the comfort of their own homes. Mazaltov Nurse Registry can provide a wealth of information and resources to help you decide on the best and most affordable insurance and care solutions.