Do I Need to Buy Long-Term Care Insurance?
Long-term care insurance is very beneficial for the elderly or disabled person who will need services or support to meet their personal care or health needs. However, it is important to understand long-term care insurance before the time comes when the benefits are needed. Unfortunately, many people wait and then miss out on what long-term care insurance can offer.
Should I get long-term care insurance?
There are a few things to consider before you go out and purchase a long-term care policy. First, consider your age. Age is important because it is much cheaper to get LTC insurance at a younger age. Older adults and those who already have existing health conditions may have more difficulty getting LTC insurance and the premiums are guaranteed to be costly.
Second, consider your support system. In other words, do you have family who will be able to help provide for your care needs in the future? If so, then you may not need long-term care insurance. This is definitely a good time to sit down and talk about the future with your family.
Third, consider your savings and investments. This is where a financial adviser or elder law attorney can help you understand ways to pay for long-term care and whether or not LTC insurance is right for you.
What is the cost of long-term care insurance?
The cost of long-term care insurance cannot be attached to specific numbers. The cost depends on age, gender, marital status, the insurance company, and the amount of coverage. The younger a person is when they get long-term care insurance, the lower the premiums will be.
Generally speaking, LTC insurance policies are less expensive for men than women. This is due to the fact that women generally live longer and therefore are more likely to make claims on the long-term care policies. Married people have lower premiums than single people. Just like with any type of insurance, rates for long-term care insurance will vary from one company to the next. It is important to shop around and compare the costs of long-term care policies with a variety of carriers. The amount of coverage desired greatly affects the cost of the long-term care insurance. Better coverage with fewer restrictions will come at higher premiums. Be sure to do your homework, talk to your financial planner, and elder law attorney to help determine long-term care insurance needs.
What does long-term care insurance cover?
Once you have a long-term care policy, you are eligible for benefits if you have dementia or another cognitive impairment or you are unable to perform at least two of six activities of daily living (ADL).
These activities include:
- bathing
- dressing
- eating
- toileting
- caring for incontinence
- transferring.
When a policyholder is eligible and in need of filing a claim on a long-term care policy, a variety of services may be covered. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities may be covered services. Within those services, policies may only cover room and board or they may cover more extensive services. Long-term care insurance also covers adult day care services for those who need a program for health, social, and other support services during the day. Home care is also provided under some long-term care insurance. This service helps with activities of daily living in the policyholder’s home. When home adaptations are necessary, such as ramps or grab bars, long-term care insurance can cover these services. Care coordination and future service options are also available services with within long-term care insurance policies. You will need to understand your specific policy to determine the specifics of the services covered and to what extent they are covered.
We are here to help.
Long-term care insurance can seem very complicated. Remember there are professionals who specialize in helping to determine LTC insurance needs and coverages. A great place to start is with your financial advisor and elder law attorney.
If you have any questions about something you have read or would like discuss your options for planning for your long-term care, contact Andre O. McDonald, a knowledgeable Howard County estate planning, Medicaid/long-term care planning, and special needs planning attorney at (443) 741-1088 for a no obligation consultation.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION POSTED ON THIS BLOG IS INTENDED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO CONVEY LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE.
