What Is Long-Term Care Insurance?

Long-term care insurance helps cover the cost of services like home health aides, assisted living, and nursing home care—expenses that Medicare and traditional health insurance typically don’t cover. It’s designed for individuals who may need help with daily activities due to aging, chronic illness, or disability.

What does it cover?

Coverage varies by policy, but often includes:

• Home health services: Help with bathing, dressing, and mobility.
• Assisted living: Housing with some medical supervision.
• Nursing home care: 24/7 medical support.
• Adult day care: Supervised daytime care for older adults.

Why consider long-term care insurance?

• Reduces personal costs: Covers services that would otherwise require out-of-pocket payments.
• Expands care options: Allows access to in-home care, assisted living, or nursing facilities.
• Protects savings: Helps prevent long-term care costs from draining financial resources.

How does long-term care insurance work with other coverage?

Many people have long-term care insurance in addition to Medicare or private health insurance to cover gaps in care. Here’s how they work together:

• Medicare: Covers short-term skilled nursing but not ongoing personal care.
• Medicaid: Pays for long-term care but has strict income limits. Insurance can delay or reduce reliance on Medicaid.
• Private Health Insurance: Covers medical needs, but long-term care insurance pays for personal and custodial care.

How Solace can help

A Solace advocate can explain benefits, assist with claims and appeals, and explore alternative funding sources like Medicaid and veterans’ benefits.

What to do next

Need help navigating long-term care options? A Solace advocate can help you compare coverage and find care solutions. Find an advocate today.