LONG-TERM CARE

What is Long-Term Care?

“Long-Term Care” (LTC) is the assistance you need when you can’t perform the “Activities of Daily Living” (ADL) independently.

Long-Term Care services help many live independently and safely as they age and experience difficulty performing ADL on their own. Depending on the need, long-term care will look different from person to person. This can look like help and care from family or friends, it could also be in the form of nursing facilities or assisted living facilities.

What are some common Activities of Daily Life that may indicate a need for Long-Term Care?

• Bathing
• Using the bathroom
• Eating
• Getting out of bed

It isn’t a subject that most of us care to dwell upon. However, the failure to discuss or plan for the high costs of long-term care is causing American families to be unprepared to meet these high costs. First, the question is, who will pay for your LTC? Medicare and Medicaid’s instability along with the diminishing US resources for LTC has prompted a government response to the impending LTC crisis.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) along with the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) motivated Congress to set new standards for Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI). Federal and State have joined together to promote private LTCI by providing tax incentives and offering State LTC Partnership plans. Find out if your state is a LTC Partnership qualified state by calling 1-800-842-7799 to speak to a Long-Term Care Specialist.