Wolfeboro, Carroll County, New Hamphsire
Plan for Long‑Term Care
Plan for Long‑Term Care
Long-term care includes medical and non-medical care for people who have a chronic illness or disability. Non-medical care includes non-skilled personal care assistance, such as help with everyday activities like dressing, bathing, and using the bathroom. At least 70% of people over 65 will need long-term care services at some point. Medicare and most health insurance plans, including Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policies don’t pay for this type of care, also called “custodial care.” Medicare only pays for medically-necessary skilled nursing facility care or home health care if you meet certain conditions. Long-term care can be provided at home, in the community, in assisted living, or in a nursing home. It’s important to start planning for long-term care now to maintain your independence and to make sure you get the care you may need in the future.
Paying for Long‑Term Care
Long-term Care Insurance—This type of private insurance policy can help pay for many types of long-term care, including both skilled and non-skilled (custodial) care. Long-term care insurance can vary widely. Some policies may cover only nursing home care. Others may include coverage for a range of services like adult day care, assisted living, medical equipment, and informal home care.
Note: Long-term care insurance doesn’t replace your Medicare coverage.
Your current or former employer or union may offer long-term care insurance. Current and retired Federal employees, active and retired members of the uniformed services, and their qualified relatives can apply for coverage under the Federal Long-term Care Insurance Program. If you have questions, visit www.opm.gov/insure/ltc, or call the Federal Long‑term Care Insurance Program at 1-800-582-3337. TTY users should call 1‑800‑843‑3557.
Personal Resources—You can use your savings to pay for long‑term care. Some insurance companies let you use your life insurance policy to pay for long-term care. Ask your insurance agent how this works.
Other Private Options—Besides long-term care insurance and personal resources, you may choose to pay for long-term care through a trust or annuity. What option is best for you depends on your age, your health status, your risk of needing long-term care, and your personal financial situation. Visit www.longtermcare.gov for more information about your options.
Medicaid—Medicaid is a joint Federal and state program that pays for certain health services for people with limited income and resources. If you qualify, you may be able to get help to pay for nursing home care or other health care costs.
Home and Community-based Services Programs—If you’re already eligible for Medicaid (or, in some states, would be eligible for Medicaid coverage in a nursing home), you or your family members may be able to get help with the costs of services that help you stay in your home instead of moving to a nursing home. Examples include homemaker services, personal care, and respite care. For more information, contact your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office. Call 1‑800‑MEDICARE (1‑800‑633‑4227), and say “Medicaid” to get the telephone number, or visit www.medicare.gov. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
Veterans’ Benefits—The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may provide long-term care for service-related disabilities or for certain eligible veterans. The VA also has a Housebound and an Aid and Attendance Allowance Program that provides cash grants to eligible disabled veterans and surviving spouses instead of formally‑provided homemaker, personal care, and other services needed for help at home. For more information, call the VA at 1-800-827-1000, or visit www.va.gov.
Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)—PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid program offered in many states that allows people who otherwise need a nursing home-level of care to remain in the community. Coming Soon—The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Program is a national, voluntary insurance program to help you pay for services and supports so you can maintain independence in your community if you become disabled. People over 18 who are working will have the opportunity to enroll in the CLASS program starting in late 2012, through either payroll deductions or individual enrollment. Enrollees who become disabled (at any point after a five year vesting period) and need help with basic daily living activities such as eating, using the bathroom, and getting in and out of bed will be able to get a benefit that will average no less than $50 a day to help pay for supports to stay independent. Talk to your employer or benefits administrator for more information.
Long-Term Care Contacts
Use the following resources to get more information about long‑term care:
--Visit www.medicare.gov/LTCPlanning. You can also visit www.medicare.gov/NHCompare or www.medicare.gov/HHCompare to compare nursing homes or home health agencies in your area.
--Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
--Visit www.longtermcare.gov to learn more about planning for long-term care.
--Call your State Insurance Department to get information about long-term care insurance. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to get the telephone number. You can also call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program
--Call the National Association of Insurance Commissioners at 1-866-470-6242 to get a copy of “A Shopper’s Guide to Long‑term Care Insurance.”
--Visit the Eldercare Locator at www.eldercare.gov to find your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). You can also call 1‑800‑677‑1116. ADRCs offer a full range of long‑term care services and support in a single, coordinated program.
C E N T E R S F O R M E D I C A R E & M E D I C A I D S E R V I C E S
Medicare & You 2011