Finding the Right Long Term Care Insurance California

Long Term Care Insurance in California
Long-term care insurance California doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out process. In fact, with some research and patience, you can have everything in place in no time at all. But once you have the policy in place, how do you know that it’s the right one? In this guide to finding the right long-term care insurance, we’ll give you all the information you need to make sure that your new policy will serve you well for years to come.

Long-Term Care Insurance California

What’s Your Risk? Before you can decide what long-term care insurance policy is right for you, it helps to assess your risk level. Simply put, how likely are you to develop a long-term care need in your lifetime? If someone in your family already has a disability that may become severe enough to require long-term care, then that may affect whether or not you should get an LTCI policy. For instance, if Grandma needs round-the-clock attention at home due to Parkinson’s disease, consider getting an LTCI policy so she can age in place instead of being forced into a nursing home.

Likewise, say Dad suffered a stroke and now requires constant assistance with dressing and grooming. That means he also requires round-the-clock medical monitoring. An LTCI policy could allow him to stay independent in his own home rather than moving into assisted living or having Mom quit her job to become his caregiver. Unfortunately, many families don’t recognize these risks until after they happen—and by then it’s too late.

How Long Term Care Works

Long-term care insurance can be a great investment. These policies help protect you from future costs by covering services, such as in-home care, assisted living, and nursing homes. In fact, 80% of people turn to long-term care at some point in their lives. But how does it work? How can you find a policy that’s right for you? And when is the best time to get long-term care insurance? We have all your questions answered. Read on to learn more.

Types of Plans

Long term care insurance California plans generally come in three types: hybrid, indemnity and per diem.
All plans can be guaranteed or non-guaranteed, meaning your premiums will remain steady if claims aren’t made. Some states have their own unique version of long term care insurance policies—check yours to see what’s available where you live. Shop around to find competitive rates from several different insurers—often it pays to wait for sales or special deals from large providers that might offer free bonus gifts like travel memberships or home-maintenance checkups when purchasing a policy. In addition to cost comparisons, think about what kind of coverage makes sense for your situation. Be sure to have at least 60 days’ worth of living expenses saved up so that if you need additional funding, finances won’t be among your worries.

How Much Does Long Term Care Cost?

Finding affordable long term care can be difficult. That’s why it’s important to talk with professionals before buying into a plan that isn’t right for you. During your search, ask questions like:

How much does long term care cost? How do I qualify?

Who qualifies for Medicaid?

What is home health care?

What are my choices in regards to assisted living facilities and nursing homes?

Talking with an insurance professional about these concerns will help you get acquainted with your options and ultimately determine if long term care insurance is right for you.

Financing Options

It’s important to consider your financing options before you go shopping. Does your retirement account offer a tax advantage? Are there certain types of Long term care insurance in California that are more likely to be approved by an insurance company if you have pre-existing medical conditions? What about Medicaid or VA benefits? With so many options, it pays to do your homework. That way, you can pick out a policy based on what type of coverage best suits your needs—instead of being locked into an option due to lack of funding. And while some experts estimate that 80% of people over 65 will need some form of long-term care at some point in their lives, no one knows for sure who will need help with daily activities like dressing and bathing when they get older.

Given these unknowns, experts say it’s smart to get life insurance sooner rather than later. Life insurance typically lasts until death; however, several companies offer reduced or reduced term policies that last only until you reach a certain age (usually 70). Read through your policy carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear—and start planning early!