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By Gretchen Barry

Expert Reviewed by Marc Glickman and Phyllis Shelton
9 min read

Long-term care insurance is coverage that pays for nursing home care, home health care, care in an assisted living facility, or personal or adult daycare for individuals with a chronic or disabling condition who need constant supervision. LTC insurance may offer more flexibility and choice of providers compared to public assistance programs, such as Medicaid. Understanding how it works will help you get a policy that's right for you. Whether you're just getting started and wondering what long term care insurance is, or you have questions about the ins and outs of your policy, our library of explainers has what you need. And for any long term care questions you may have, our specialists are always here to help you out.

Gretchen Barry, Director of Marketing Strategy

A willingness to discover what moves people, a strong belief in compelling stories to drive a narrative, and deep experience across marketing channels are the core strengths that Gretchen brings to the BuddyIns team. With over 20 years of marketing leadership experience ranging from financial services to tech startups, Gretchen has directed an extensive portfolio of marketing projects.

In her role as director of marketing strategy, Gretchen works closely with the Buddy team to identify opportunities, stories, messages, and tactics that will advance the company's brand and mission. As someone who has experienced first-hand what it means to be a caregiver, Gretchen understands the inherent challenges and unlimited opportunities facing the company and the LTCi industry.

Married to a high school math teacher and living in a tiny California mountain town in the Sierra Nevada, Gretchen's life outside of Buddy revolves around nature, her husband's numerous school-related activities, and her two Australian Shepherds, Roxie and Xuber. Hiking, kayaking, and getting out of cell phone range are her activities of choice during her downtime.

In this Guide

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What is Long Term Care?

When most people think of long term care, they think of older people in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. But there are many different types of long term care, and it's important to understand what each one entails.

In general, long term care is the type of care that you may require if you are unable to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). These activities include bathing, dressing, grooming, using the toilet, eating, and moving around—for example, getting out of bed and into a chair.

iStock-628792784-550x400 Understanding Long Term Care

Long term care (LTC) is a topic that can be difficult and confusing to understand. You may believe you'll never need such assistance or that your existing medical coverage will take care of it. In this series, our goal is to give you the tools and information you need so that you can create a plan should you ever need care. Whether you have cared for a loved one and have a little knowledge about long term care or are just starting to educate yourself about LTC, it's important to start at the beginning with a better understanding of what it is.

Read more about understanding long term care >

Two-Generations-Women-2000x1452-1-550x400 Why would you need it?

It can be difficult to imagine now, but chances are you'll require assistance with personal care at some point in your life. You may suffer from a disabling accident, chronic illness, or simply reach the age where you are no longer able to care for yourself.

As our population ages, the number of people suffering from cognitive illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is increasing. Currently, 6.2 million Americans have Alzheimer’s and that number is expected to grow to 13 million by 2050. The average life expectancy after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is 8-10 years, during which time a person will require long term care.

Read more about who needs long term care >

What is long term care insurance & how does it work?

A long-term care insurance policy can help pay for the cost of care that is needed due to a chronic illness, disability, or injury. Primarily, long term care insurance is designed to cover the costs of custodial and personal care, as opposed to medical care alone. Coverage may include the cost of staying in a nursing home or assisted living facility, adult day care or in-home care.

So what does long term care insurance cover? When your policy has been activated you can use it to cover many types of expenses, including:

  • Respite care
  • Alternative care
  • Adult day care
  • Nursing home
  • Assisted living facilities
  • Memory care
  • Resident care
  • Short term hospice

Medicare does not cover long term care expenses. Medicare covers only brief stays in skilled nursing homes, hospice care, or home health services if three requirements are met :

  1. You were admitted to the hospital for three days or more
  2. Within 30 days of that hospital stay, you were admitted to a Medicare certified skilled nursing facility
  3. You require skilled nursing, physical therapy, or other therapy services as prescribed by your doctor

If all those conditions are met, Medicare will pay some of the costs for the first 100 days in a skilled nursing facility. After 100 days, you’re responsible for 100% of those costs.

Plan-Collaboration-Strategy-2000x1452-1-550x400 How does traditional long term care insurance work?

Traditional long term care insurance (LTCi) provides financial coverage in the event of a stay in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or in cases of home health care services. Traditional policies can be structured to meet the client’s needs, such as providing a specific daily benefit amount in the event of a long term care stay. Traditional LTCi functions like a typical insurance policy – the owner pays a premium now in exchange for future benefits. The policy doesn’t hold any cash value.

Read more about traditional long term care insurance >

iStock-915361676-cropped-550x400 How does hybrid long term care insurance work?

You might consider a hybrid policy if you dislike the idea of paying premiums for long term care insurance that you may never need. Hybrid policies are designed to minimize the cost of the life insurance component and maximize the LTCi benefits. Many of the popular plans offer LTC protection beyond the life insurance death benefit and also compound inflation increases on the benefits. The premiums are often guaranteed and the life insurance death benefit is paid even if LTC is never needed.

Read more about hybrid long term care insurance >

Why is long term care insurance important?

When it comes to your home, your health, and your finances, you want to be in the driver’s seat. That’s why it’s so important to plan now for retirement — and any future care you may need. Planning for long term care can be one of the most important decisions you can make, and it’s a gift for your family, too.

Dr.-Bob-Video-Thumbnail-550x400-1 What are the odds you'll need long term care?

When you reach a certain age, it's only natural to worry about the future. You may be asking yourself, "What will happen if I can no longer take care of myself?" or "What are my chances of needing long term care?" You may be surprised at how the need for long term care stacks up against many other life events.

Watch this short interview with Dr. Bob Pokorski about the chances of needing care >

Consultation-Stock-Image-550x400 Common signs you may be at risk of needing LTC

While the need for long term care can arise at any age, there are certain risk factors that may make it more likely that someone will require this type of care. Knowing this will mean you are more likely to put a plan in place for you and your family.

Read more about the likelihood of needing long term care >

Who needs long term care insurance?

Long term care is something that many Americans will require in the future, and long term care insurance may be the most effective way to protect your loved ones and yourself. In fact, 65-year-olds today have a 70% chance of needing long-term care, and an estimated 20% of Americans will need it for longer than five years. Yet only about 7.5 million Americans have long-term care insurance.

The average cost of long-term care in the United States is increasing, and it is important to have long-term care insurance to cover these costs. The median cost of just one month in a nursing home is $7,908 according to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey. The estimated cost for care in the final five years of life is $367,000 for people with dementia and $234,000 for those without. The average American will pay $172,000 for long-term care. Long-term care insurance is crucial to cover the costs that regular health insurance does not.

If you are looking for a way to offset the increasing costs of long term care as you age, long-term care insurance is the best solution. It can give you peace of mind and protect your savings, ensuring that you will be able to afford the care you need. Plus, your kids won't have to worry about footing the bill for your care. Long-term care insurance is an important investment that you should consider making for yourself and your family.

Anyone can benefit from having a long term care plan. People who need long term care insurance include:

  • Spouses and domestic partners who want to maintain assets for surviving spouse
  • Business owners who want the tax advantages of long term care insurance
  • People with a mortgage
  • Those who don’t want to rely on family for their care
  • High net worth individuals
  • Those who want to protect their financial legacy
Elderly-Support-2-Generations-2000x1452-1-550x400-1 Who will take care of me when I get old?

Learn how to resiliently manage life’s transitions as you age. Joy Loverde, mature-market consultant and best-selling author of “Who Will Take Care of Me When I’m Old?” and “The Complete Eldercare Planner” gives us tips on how to plan for aging.

Watch webinar now >

How much long term care insurance do I need?

There is no universal solution when trying to determine how much long term care insurance you need. That is because everyone's situation is different, and the amount of long-term care insurance you require will be determined by a variety of factors. They include:

  • Your age
  • Your family’s health background
  • The cost of care in your local area or where you plan to receive care
  • The extent of care you’d like to receive
  • Your health background
  • How long you want the policy to cover care
  • Your budget and financial situation

To roughly estimate how much long term care insurance you may want to purchase, review the Cost of Care and factor in the impact of inflation and what type of care you would prefer for yourself. Will you plan to receive care at home, in a skilled facility, or assisted living community setting?

We recommend coverage that provides premiums you can pay over the long term. This coverage should provide benefits that are between the lowest cost of part-time home care in your area and the cost of round-the-clock care in a skilled facility. Remember that you want to consider what the cost of care may be at the time of claim – that could be 20-30 years down the road. Other impacts to the cost of care:

  • Your health
  • The city and state where you will receive care
  • The type of care

Affordability and value are two of the most important components of securing your plan. Remember, you want to be able to pay the premiums over the long term for meaningful coverage. We cover the cost of long term care insurance in the next section.

costofcareimage Understanding the Cost of Care in 2024

The cost of care varies by the care setting, geographic region of care, and degree of care required, among several additional factors. Take a look at what impacts has Covid had on the cost of care, who ultimately pays for care, and projected total costs for 2024.

Download The 2024 BuddyIns Cost of Care Report PDF >

How much does long term care insurance cost?

The cost of long-term care insurance can vary depending on several factors, including your age, gender, health and family health history. However, for many people the cost is affordable when one considers the insurance benefits. The cost also varies depending on where you live and what kind of policy you choose.

The average monthly price for a pay-as-you-go traditional LTC insurance policy is around $250 per month.

However, in our opinion, the more important factors is the price compared to the maximum insurance benefits, how that compares to your goal for covering the cost of care, and what other extra benefits are provided by the insurance company.

No matter what you end up paying, long-term care insurance still gives you good bang for your buck since there’s a good chance you’ll need long-term care later in life.

Search-Found-Stock-Image-550x400-1 Tax Breaks and Incentives*

If you qualify to deduct some or all of your premiums as medical expenses, the premium limits you can deduct increase with your age. Make sure to consult with your CPA or tax advisor to learn more about how LTCi can help you save on your taxes.

Read more about tax incentives from a BuddyIns LTC insurance partner >

Consultation-Stock-Image-550x400-1 Funding Solutions and Strategies

More American families now have tax advantaged HSAs that they are contributing to through a payroll deduction. Did you know that you can use the pre-tax money in these accounts to reimburse yourself for the cost of the premiums? Taking advantage of this tax-free money to pay for premiums provides even more value and affordability.

More about Funding Solutions and Strategies >

*Tax information presented here is for general information only and should not be used nor relied upon as specific tax advice. Taxpayers should consult with their CPA or tax advisor for advice regarding their own tax situation and the tax status of LTCi premiums and benefits.

Why work with a long term care insurance specialist?

Using an independent long term care insurance specialist can give you peace of mind knowing they’ll shop around several different types of products and carriers to find options that are appropriate for your needs. This may save you money in the process. Purchasing long term care insurance is an important decision and process, so make sure you work with a specialist who will help build a plan that meets your needs.

Retirement-550x400-1 Why LTCi is Important to a Happy Retirement

Best-selling author, international speaker, and economist Tom Hegna lays out his research and advice for securing a happy retirement. The author of Pay Checks and Play Checks shares his strategy and 7 steps to retirement security (some of his steps may surprise you). These aren’t your average retirement planning tips. These are real-world scenarios that include reasons why you need a long term care plan.

More questions about long term care insurance answered

The decision to purchase long term care insurance is a personal one and it is also one of the most important decisions you can make to protect your retirement savings and preserve your legacy. The following are some of the most frequent questions we are asked about long term care insurance, and we’re happy to share them with you.

At what age should I purchase long term care insurance?

This is one of the questions we are asked the most and the answer is not as simple as the question may sound. Many people wait to purchase LTCi until the ages of 40 to 65, and some purchase after they have had a personal experience with a family member who required care.

However, the sooner you decide that long term care planning is right for you, the more options you generally have and the more affordable the coverage. That’s not to say that people at older ages don’t have options. A good long term care insurance specialist can help you determine what is available for your situation.

How do I find the right long term care insurance?

When you work with an independent long term care insurance specialist you can expect them to gather important information about your health, financial situation, and your expectations for care. This information will be used to shop the market and find a solution that works best for your situation. The appropriate amount of insurance also depends on what you can afford to maintain over the long term.

How does long term care insurance fit into my financial plan?

That depends on what your goals are for your long term care. The most appropriate level of benefits for your financial plan are what you can afford over the long term.

What are the best companies for long term care insurance?

There are many companies offering traditional long term care insurance, hybrid, and alternative long term care policies. There is no “best company” as all of the solutions have tradeoffs that create a better fit for certain clients. Buddyins works with dozens of different products in the market because of their unique features and value propositions. The product and carrier that is best for one person may not be right for another. The marketplace is always evolving, so the best strategy is to work with a long term care insurance specialist who understands the option that is the best fit for your personal situation.

What extras can be added to my long term care insurance plan?

Any added features and benefits depend on the plan. Most plans now offer inflation protection of 3-5 percent. Other plans may offer international benefits for those who travel out of the country. It’s important to communicate with your long term care specialist what your needs and expectations are so that they can find a product that offers appropriate benefits for your situation.

How do I use my HSA (Health Savings Account) to fund my long term care policy?

If you have a health savings account, you may be contributing pre-tax dollars into your HSA up to your annual limit. These funds may be used to pay long term care insurance premiums for you or your spouse each year up to an annual age-based limit.

Wouldn't I be better off putting money aside now to pay for long term care needs?

Let’s assume that a couple each year could faithfully put money aside for their long-term care needs. A fifty-year old couple that saved $1,600 a year, the premium for a policy that would pay about 2/3 of the cost for three years, and earned 10% for 30 years would have saved enough money to only pay for about one year of care at future prices. And, that amount would have to work for two people, not one year for each of them! Also, you probably didn’t accumulate the money you have by spending it when you didn’t have to. Do you plan to carry a homeowner’s policy when your mortgage is paid off?

I’m not even close to retirement and I’m healthy. Why should I consider long term care insurance now?

Long-term care insurance products are age-related and health underwritten. This means you can only get a policy if you are healthy and the younger you are, the lower the premium. You will pay longer, but you’ll pay less premium than if you wait until age 65 to purchase a policy.

Adults of all ages need to seriously consider a policy. And remember, over 40% of those receiving long-term care are under 65. Finally, there’s a hidden cost of waiting that most people don’t think about. Today you might be able to buy a policy for $140 a day to cover the cost, but ten years from now, you would have to buy a policy for about $240 a day, plus you would be paying a premium for ten years older than you are now.

Example: A 50-year-old person who has a spouse or partner could buy a policy with a three-year benefit period that has a $140 daily benefit. Current cost: approximately $94 a month.

If this person waits, in 10 years, a $240 daily benefit would cost about $200 a month! And if they were to develop a serious health condition between now and then, no amount of money will buy a policy.

Bottom line: Better to buy now while you are insurable.

Is long term care insurance portable?

Yes. Private long term care insurance offers national – and in some cases, international – portability of your benefits. Be sure to let your specialist know of your retirement plans, and he or she will find you a plan that will follow you.

What is the difference between long term disability insurance and long term care insurance?

Both employer-provided and private disability policies only provide money to replace income lost due to a disability. Long term disability insurance is intended to pay living expenses such as a mortgage, rent, utilities, food, etc. It doesn’t provide an extra $4,000-$6,000 a month to pay for long-term care.

Also, group disability insurance is usually tied to employment, and you lose it when you leave your job. Long-term care insurance, however, pays specifically for long-term health care, such as home health and nursing home care and is a policy you can always keep no matter where you bought it.

Finally, if your employer is paying the premium for your long-term disability insurance, you will be taxed on the benefits if you have a claim. This isn’t true with long-term care insurance; the benefits are tax-free.

I’d like to consider my options. Where do I start?

By filling out this form, you can meet remotely (and at your convenience) with a long term care insurance specialist with years of experience. Our service is at no cost to you, and we will help guide you to the best plan for your dollars.

Our LTC specialist community is here to help. Long term care planning may be one of the most meaningful things you can do for your family to protect them from becoming unintended caregivers.

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