Home Page --more-->
Long-term care is the next major crisis facing Americans.

Introduction --more-->
* Introduction, website index, notices, long term care videos.
An introduction to GuideToLongTermCare.com

Guide --more-->
Health Care System - what it covers and for how long.
Long term care insurance - what it covers and for how long.
Your choices today.

WhatWhat is Long Term Care --more-->
* What is long term care
Long-term care is the assistance needed over an extended period of time to manage, rather than cure, a chronic condition, such as arthritis, a stroke, dementia, or the frailties of aging or accidents.
* Long Term care insurance
Long-term care insurance covers care not covered by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.

Who Needs It? --more-->
* Long Term Care, Who Needs It?
A common misconception about long term care is that it is just for the elderly. Anyone of any age or occupation may need long term care at any time .
* Who Provides Long Term Care?
Often family members will be the ones providing custodial long term care. When they no longer can provide assistance they look to care workers and professionals.
* Quality of Care
Data doesn't provide qualify of care information but will show how well staffed facilities are.
* It Won't Happen To Me!
Almost none of us are willing to accept that we are likely to need care in a nursing facility in the future. Most of us are in denial that we will ever need assistance with eating, dressing, bathing, toileting, or moving about our homes.

What Does Long Term Care Cost? --more-->
* How Much Does Long Term Care Cost?
The 2006 national average for assisted living private room is $2,691 a month, $32,200 a year and the national average for home care providers was $25.00 an hour, certified care providers averages $36.00 an hour.

Who Pays for Long Term Care? --more-->
* Who Pays For Long Term Care?
-- Self insure, pay yourself
-- Medicare, pays for a short period
-- Medicaid, state welfare
-- Long-term care insurance
* Doesn't the Government pay for my long term care?
While many people think the state or federal government pays for long term care expenses. Nationally, about 30% of all long term care nursing home expenses are paid out-of-pocket by individuals and their families.
* Medicare vs Medicaid
Chart showing what each covers.
* Medicare and Long Term Care
Medicare (65+ or disabled) is an entitlement program with eligibility requirements. It's purpose is to get you back on your feet and home.
* Medicare Supplemental Insurance and Long Term Care
These policies cover some or all of Medicare's deductible, co-payments, and coinsurance, which can be substantial.
* Medicaid and Long Term Care
Medicaid pays for health care and long term care for certain people. Medicaid is a welfare program that requires individuals to spend down most of their savings and income before becoming eligible. Medicaid is not an entitlement program like Medicare but is a means-tested program.

Protect Your Assets --more-->
* Protecting Your Income/Assets From the Cost of Long Term Care
The average time an individual spends in long term care breaks down to over 96% in home and community based care and less than 4% in nursing home care. More people want to stay at home longer.
* What about the other risks you face?
There are "four" main risks we face to our income/assets and lifestyle every day: home auto, health, long term care.
* John and Mary Jones Story
John and Mary Jones are a typical household. They have a house that is worth $500,000. They have two cars, a fishing boat, and $200,000 in savings and CDs, they also both have 401K retirement accounts.

Solutions to Long Term Care Costs --more-->
* Solutions to Long Term Care Costs
There are a number of possible solutions to the need for long term care for you. Let's look at these first since they are the most common solutions.
* To Self-Insure or Not?
Some may believe they can afford to self-insure. But even those with significant assets could erode their savings very quickly should they need long term care.
* Total Cost of Care: Individual vs. Group Policies
Group policies have higher deductibles and lower benefits. Some group plans are not tax-qualified, which means you pay income tax on the benefits. Total Cost of Care: Individual vs. Group Policies as downloadable PDF

Long Term Care Insurance --more-->
* Getting started with Long Term Care Insurance
Most people choose to purchase long term care insurance because they have known someone who has needed long term care and that experience convinced them of the importance of protecting themselves, their family and their income/assets.
* Why People Buy Long Term Care Insurance?
Most people choose to purchase long term care insurance because they have known someone who has needed long term care and that experience convinced them of the importance of protecting themselves, their family and their assets.
* Do I Need Long Term Care Insurance?
The majority of people are not aware of the likelihood of needing long term care. The following questions can help you determine whether you may need the protection provided by long term care insurance.
* Am I Too Young or Too Old For Long Term Care Insurance?
Often what prevents people from insuring against the high cost of long term care is the cost of the premium.
* What If I Don't Qualify for LTC Insurance?
More people get turned down because of health reasons than for financial reasons. If someone doesn't health qualify they are now on the path to self-pay.

* How Much Does Long Term Care Insurance Cost?
It might be better to ask, what could not having long term care insurance cost you? Just considering averages you may be spending from $200,000-$500,000 for care, depending on the kind of care and how much you need.
* Long Term Care Insurance Inflation Protection Options
Generally long term care insurance policies are sold with either simple or compound inflation protection.
* The Cost Of Waiting To Buy Long Term Care Insurance
If you're thinking about waiting to purchase coverage, consider the impact that time has on the cost of this insurance. Each year you wait can cost you more money.
* How You Can Afford To Pay For A LTC Insurance Policy
Can you afford a long term care insurance policy? Can you afford to self-insure?
* What to look for in a Long Term Care Insurance Policy
A long term care insurance policy helps put you in control when you need it most - by helping to protect your income/assets and to ensure that you receive quality care in the setting you want.
* Not All Long Term Care Insurance Policies Are The Same
The old adage is still true here: "if it's too good to be true it probably is." The top long term care insurance companies are similar in plans, benefits and even prices.
* Long Term Care Insurance As An Investment?
We think long term care insurance can be seen as an investment because of the almost certainty that you will need long term care.
* Personal Account Benefit Chart
Just like the old compounding savings account, benefit increases become huge in later years.
* To Self-Insure or Not?
Some may believe they can afford to self-insure. But even those with significant assets could erode their savings very quickly should they need long term care.
* Tax Deductions For Long Term Care Insurance
First you must consult with your accountant or tax advisor about any tax consequences regarding long term care insurance. Long-term care insurance may be tax deductible depending on various factors.
* Get Online Quote For Long Term Care Insurance
Fill out an online form and get a quick quote based on the top long term care insurance companies.
* Apply for Long Term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance is state regulated and requires a paper application with signatures so it cannot be done online yet.
* Financial Planners and Estate Planners Need Education
Millions of Americans rely on financial advisors for help in their retirement and financial planning. If their financial future is at great risk their advisors should know why.
* The Partnership for Long Term Care
Participating states help you protect your assets.

Long Term Care Insurance Qualifications --more-->
* Health Qualifications for Long Term Care Insurance
The guidelines listed below are provided to help you determine if you might qualify for long term care insurance. Build Table Non-Diabetic -- Build Table Diabetic Type I and Type II Adult
* Financial Qualifications for Long Term Care Insurance
The guidelines for determining whether or not long term care insurance is financially appropriate are partly based on your income/assets, income, health history, family history and the probability of needing long term care.
* Non-Financial Issues and Long Term Care Insurance
The non-financial side of long term care insurance is the support you get from the care coordinator. If you or your spouse needed care, who would you call?

Top 7 Questions About Long Term Care --more-->
(Almost) all you need to know in 5 minutes or less.

Planning For Your Future --more-->
If you want your future to be in your control you need a plan.

AARP Long Term Care Insurance --more-->
We offer AARP Group Long Term Care Insurance.

Long Term Care National Poll (2007) --more-->
Most Americans are not planning, are you?

Long Term Care Insurance Premium Sample --more-->
Top companies rate examples.

Your Million Dollar Problem --more-->
Either you are ready to solve the problem or you’re not

Long Term Care Videos --more-->

LTC Blog --more-->

Google Website Search --more-->

Long Term Care Knowledge Pop-Quiz --more-->

Feedback From Visitors & Clients --more-->

Long Term Care Resources --more-->
* Long Term Care Products
* Nursing
* Pharmacy
* Mental Health
* Libraries
* News
* Journals
* Investment Advisors
* Elder Law Attorney's
* Long Term Care Articles
* Medical Testing Info
* Hot Topics

Women and Long Term Care --more-->

Women Are Planners --more-->

Long Term Care Articles --more-->

Long Term Care Charts --more-->

Long Term Care Brochures --more-->

Long Term Care Books --more-->

Long Term Care Glossary --more-->

Long Term Care News --more-->

Long Term Care Insurance Seminars --more-->

Long Term Care Insurance Quote --more-->

Apply for Long Term Care Insurance --more-->

Contact Guide to Long Term Care --more-->

Terry Savage Long Term Care Articles --more-->
Chicago Sun-Times financial advice columnist.

Women Bear Greater Share of Long Term Care Risks and Cost --more-->

Kiplinger's Long Term Care Articles --more-->
Kiplinger, leader in personal finance and business forecasting.

The Deficit Reduction Act (2006) --more-->
The effect on Long Term Care

Federal Deficit Reduction Act (2006) Highlights --more-->

CalPERS vs Individual Policy - Total Cost of Care --more-->