November 16, 2012
Approximately 1 in 4 adults will need long term care in Illinois. Are your loved ones protected?
Let's face it; no one looks forward to the day when they will rely on someone else to take care of them. It is arguably one of the most difficult decisions any person will ever have to make. When the time comes, however, the right insurance coverage can mean the difference between settling for whatever policy you can afford, or choosing one that genuinely addresseds the wellness needs of your loved ones.
It has been estimated that approximately one in every four adults will require some form of long term care as they grow older. How the process fares is completely up to those who find themselves charged with the task of making this difficult decision. And in virtually every case, money is almost always a determining factor in deciding how this care is provided, and by whom.
Considering that it is generally siblings and children who end up making these decisions, it is understandable that most people want to do everything in their power to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible for them. Purchasing a long term care policy is clearly one of the best ways to ensure that the decision is not made exclusively based on whatever finances are available at the time. Not only will it prevent those responsible from exhausting their savings, it can also significantly increase the number of options available while minimizing stress.
What does a long term care policy cover?
Long term care insurance is something that, understandably, many people have never heard of. And if you're like most people hearing it for the first time, you're probable asking yourself what is covered under a long-term care plan. While the definitions of long term care coverage differ from state to state, it is generally accepted that most plans cover the expenses associated with assisted living, in-home care, nursing homes, assisted living residency, custodial care, hospice services and Alzheimer's care facilities. In some cases, the insurance company may pay for family-provided care.
Additionally, long-term care insurance will help cover the expenses associated with a wide range of specialized therapies and services. This includes home health aides and nursing services, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, adult day care, and others. It is important to discuss your family's situation before purchasing a long-term care policy to ensure that there are no surprises if/when the time comes. This is yet another reason why working with an experienced health insurance broker can be extremely beneficial.
Regardless of whether you're considering a long-term care policy for yourself, a parent or other family member, there is simply no arguing with the statistics. Adults who give early consideration to their long term care options generally enjoy much more satisfying quality of life. In contrast, those who wait until the absolute last moment tend to end up settling for whatever facility or service they can afford at the time.
Do you have more questions on IL long term care coverage? Give us a call at 800-369-0287 or e-mail us . We'll go over everything with you and answer all your questions.