Paying for long-term care (sometimes called “long-term services and supports”) includes non-medical care for people who have a chronic illness or disability. This includes non-skilled personal care assistance, such as like help with everyday activities, including dressing, bathing, using the bathroom, home-delivered meals, adult day health care, and other services. Medicare and most health insurance plans, including Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policies, don’t pay for this type of care, sometimes called “custodial care.” You may be eligible for this type of care through Medicaid, or you can choose to buy private long-term care insurance.

Long-term care can be provided at home, in the community, in an assisted living facility, 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 setting you want, now and in the future.

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Teaching Suggestions

• Ask the students if they have Long Term Care insurance since 40 percent of the 13 million people receiving long term care services are between the ages of 18 and 24.
• Ask students to prepare a list of services that long term care insurance policy may provide.

Discussion Questions

1. If majority of Americans will be cared for at home by family members and friends, why should anyone purchase a long-term care insurance policy?
2. Do younger people need long-term care insurance? If so, why?  If not, why?
3. Why long- term care insurance is very expensive? Should everyone purchase long term care insurance?