Due to the longevity of people today, insurance companies recommend that people purchase long term health care to protect their assets in the future. Surveys have shown that over 60% of people who reach 65 will have a need for long term health care at some time. That is getting on for two out of three of us. So the odds are good that YOU will be among them.
When you think of long term health care, most people think it is only senior citizens who need this type of coverage. This is not always true. Anyone can find themselves in need of this type of insurance cover at one time or another due to accidents or illnesses, and with the increase in two income and upwardly mobile families, there is not always easily accessible help at home. Most people are also working longer hours anyway, and so this further exacerbates the problem.
Long term health care is not just for nursing home patients then. Many people who need health care choose to stay at home and use other alternative sittings. Long term health care is designed to assist a person when they can no longer perform normal everyday tasks such as getting dressed, bathing, or eating. People who develop cognitive skill illnesses, such as Alzheimer's disease, also need some type of long term health care. And the important thing to realise here is that Hospitals do not perform this type of service. So, looking to the longer term, people HAVE to turn to nursing care facilities or some type of home health care service. And the way this is financed will either be through a private income, or through long term care insurance. Now, let's get real here. Long Term Care Insurance is never going to be 'cheap' despite what you might read. But, in comparison to having to sell your home to pay for round the clock health treatments because you didn't get cover. It is most certainly the more 'affordable' option of the two!
Long term health care is very expensive. Who pays for these huge expenses? Medicare only pays limited amounts for extended care and their provisions have many restrictions on what and how they will pay. They will not help very much until all your assets and your spouse's assets are depleted. This often leaves the caregiver in a bad financial situation. Health care plans may cover some expenses but their time of coverage is usually limited. Disability insurance does not cover long term health care. People have to spend their assets to take care of this issue themselves. So potentially you can wave goodbye to your home and any assets. Care costs soon mount up.
When you are purchasing a long term health care, know what you are going to get. The insurance companies are relying on you not needing this service. The older a person becomes, the greater the risk for the insurance company. Premiums increase to cover this risk. People need to anticipate that the increases will come at a time when they are probably going to be on a fixed income. People find they can no longer afford the policy at a time when they could possibly need it the most. Many insurance companies may rely on this. They have been getting the premiums all these years and will not have to make a pay out if it is cancelled. So plan ahead and know exactly what the costs are going to be down the line, and then plan accordingly.
Long term health care is something no one wants to think about. When considering the purchase of a policy, you need to keep in mind that the premiums will increase. Purchase a policy that you can afford even in your later years. Many people need long term health care at some phase in their life. Whether or not you decide to purchase a policy, you need to be aware that only you are responsible for these expenses in the long term. Health care plans and Medicare only help on a restricted basis. Long term health care is a good investment for the future if you choose a policy you can maintain throughout your life time, because whilst the policies may seem expensive NOW. When you fill out the claim form in the future they may seem remarkly affordable!
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