Medicare will only pay for up to 100 days of nursing care following a hospital stay, and there are serious limitations on those benefits. Further, Medicare will not pay for long-term care that involves non-medical help with daily tasks, e.g., bathing, dressing. Also, Medigap policies and regular health insurance do not pay for long-term care that involves non-medical help.
Medicaid, the federal-state public assistance program for the poor, does pay for nursing home costs but only after a person essentially gives up many of his or her assets and qualifies for aid. See NC Medicaid Rules Explained on this website. Although we can assist you with Medicaid Planning, for many individuals and couples the process is either impractical or emotionally trying. The rules are constantly tightening.
According to an article in Kiplinger’s Retirement Guide, nursing home care costs an average of $72,000 per year. In North Carolina the costs can easily climb to $75,000 to $80,000 per year. The American Council of Life Insurance projects that by 2030, nursing home care will average about $190,000 per year.
Most people prefer to receive care in their homes. According to an article in Kiplinger’s Retirement Guide, nation-wide, daily home-care costs average $45,000 per year. If you purchase long-term-care insurance and select the right benefits then you can decide where and what care you will receive. If you purchase long-term-care insurance, you will receive care and at the same time protect your life savings.
As a law firm, we do not sell any insurance; our job is to counsel and advise you. However, we can assist you with the evaluation and selection of an appropriate long-term care insurance policy suitable for your needs.
