Understanding Long-Term Care
Care needs are not all the same. Some situations call for temporary support during recovery from a surgery, illness, or injury, while others require longer-term help with daily living. Long-term care focuses on that ongoing support—assisting with everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, mobility, and meal preparation for individuals dealing with chronic conditions, disabilities, or cognitive changes. These services may be provided in a variety of settings, including at home, in assisted living communities, or in specialized care facilities. Understanding how longer-term care differs from short-term recovery support can help families prepare for the financial and practical realities of future care needs.
If you’re unsure whether long-term care planning is appropriate for your situation, call 1-800-424-1120.
Plan(s) may not be available in all states.
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Have Questions About Long-Term Care?
If you’re beginning to explore care planning, speaking with an experienced benefits advisor is a great place to start. A quick conversation can help you understand your options and what families often face when these situations arise.
A benefits advisor can help you:
- Understand what long-term care involves and when it may be needed
- Learn how care is typically funded
- Avoid common misconceptions about coverage
- Plan early while you still have flexibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about the program, including eligibility, options, customer service and more.
I'm young and healthy. Do I really need to start planning now?
It’s impossible to predict how long you’ll remain in good health or whether you might experience an accident, illness, or condition that requires extended care. Planning earlier allows you to review options while you still have flexibility and time to make informed decisions.
Call 1-800-424-1120 to speak with a benefits advisor about how to better prepare for long-term care.
What happens if I wait to plan for my long-term care needs?
Waiting may reduce your available options. Because premium rates are based on your age when you apply, the overall cost of coverage tends to increase over time, and eligibility requirements can become more restrictive as you age. If you don’t qualify for insurance because of a health concern, you could be left responsible for the cost of long-term care services out of pocket.
Won't the Federal Government pay for my long-term care?
Medicare provides minimal financial support for long-term care services. Medicare was designed to pay for acute medical conditions and post-rehabilitative care; it was not intended to pay for costs associated with long-term care. To qualify for nursing home care under Medicare, a three-day hospital stay is required, and care must be rehabilitative in nature. If these conditions are met, Medicare will pay for the first 20 days. Days 21–100 require a co-payment. There is no coverage after day 100.
Can Long-Term Care benefits be used at home?
In many cases, care can be provided at home rather than in a facility. Depending on the coverage selected, Long-Term Care benefits may help offset the cost of in-home care or other services that allow someone to receive support in a familiar environment.
Can I qualify if I already have existing health conditions?
In some cases, individuals with pre-existing health conditions may still qualify for coverage, although eligibility and pricing can vary. A licensed benefits advisor can review your situation and explain what options may be available.
Is long-term care insurance necessary if I have other types of insurance coverage?
While other types of insurance may cover certain medical expenses, they typically do not provide comprehensive coverage for long-term care services. Long-Term Care coverage is designed specifically to help address the costs associated with extended care needs.
Get More Information About Long-Term Care Plans
Our experienced team is committed to assisting you in navigating the complexities of long-term care options. Call us today at 1-800-424-1120 to compare plans, understand your coverage options, and find the solution that best fits your needs and budget. A benefits advisor can walk you through what long-term care involves, how it’s funded, and what options you may have to care for your loved ones.