What Does Long Term Care Insurance Cover?

Long-term care insurance is an important aspect of future planning for many families. In fact, it is advised that individuals who believe their loved ones may need long-term care seek out a plan that fits their senior’s anticipated needs. Long-term care, including home care, is a medical necessity for which some families struggle to pay. By planning ahead and taking out a long-term care policy, you can protect your elderly loved one and the rest of your family against the financial complications that such care can create.

While long-term care is certainly recommended by elder care professionals, it is important that you and your family understand exactly what the policy will cover. Because each policy varies, it is important to speak with your senior’s insurance professional to understand precisely what expenses will be covered or reimbursed; however, here are some basic facts regarding the services that a long-term care plan may cover.

• The purpose of long-term care policies is to cover daily needs that are not met by health insurance, including Medicare or Medicaid. For this reason, the policy is most likely to pertain to assistance with activities of daily living, including grooming, personal hygiene, dressing, eating, etc.
• Some medical conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, often require the supervision of a senior care professional; however, these services are not always covered by health insurance despite the fact that they are necessitated by a medical condition. Long-term care policies frequently cover such supervision, allowing elderly individuals to continue aging in place despite Alzheimer’s disease or other illnesses.
• A long-term care policy may also cover skilled services, such as the treatment provided by physical, respiratory, and speech therapists.

If your family is unsure whether or not to invest in long-term care insurance for your elderly loved one, it is important to take the opportunity to consider the future needs of your senior. Additionally, it is recommended that you consult with an insurance professional to determine if a long-term care policy is the right move for your family. While no one knows exactly what the future holds, an insurance policy can help protect you and your loved ones against the unexpected expenses that may arise as your senior ages.