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nts made
sure their premiums were paid every month and they made sure they
informed us about the value of being covered by the appropriate
amount of insurance. However, today we are hearing a lot about another
type of insurance. We are being told this insurance is just as valuable
as life and health coverage. This newer type of insurance covers
long-term care situations.
Long-term
care is something you may need should you become unable to perform
everyday tasks. Unless you have witnessed a family member or friend
who has experienced a life-altering illness, it may be difficult
to comprehend life without independence. Simple things like bathing,
dressing and feeding one’s self may be taken away by an illness.
Debilitating illnesses do not target only the elderly; it can happen
to anyone at any age.
Often
when someone needs assistance getting through life’s daily
activities, finding affordable assistance is difficult. Because
of costs, a family member may be called on to help with the tasks.
That may be a burden on the person asked to help; it may cause embarrassment
because of the tasks they are required to perform. For instance,
bathing and dressing another adult can cause both parties to feel
uncomfortable.
The
Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program reports that 40 percent
of people receiving long-term care services are working adults between
the ages of 18 and 64. As you can see, the need for care can happen
at any age. When a need occurs, it is rewarding to know that you
can make the decision about your care, whether you want to remain
at home with a nurse or other health care professional assisting
you, move into an assisted living facility, adult day care center,
hospice facility or other options available to you. Having long-term
insurance can help cover the costs of your care and it may protect
your assets.
Long-term
insurance offers more than financial contributions; it can also
offer dignity, control of one’s life and choices. “An
important thing to remember about long-term care insurance is that
you should buy it while your health is good,” says Gene Linton,
Manager, Preferred LTC, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. As
with other policies, when applying for the insurance, information
must be released about past and current health status. “You
want to be sure you are approved for your insurance while you’re
in good health,” Linton says. Of course, at this time in your
life, you may think you are invincible. No one is beyond serious
health issues, but because you feel good and because your family
is in good health, you think it is too soon to discuss long-term
insurance. After all, you have several good years before you expect
any health problems, if ever.
Why
can’t my family take care of me?
In today’s society many family members work or live too far
away to care for an ill family member. Family members are often
the only caregivers.
What about Medicare and Medicaid…Why can’t the government
That may be a burden on the person asked to help; it may cause embarrassment
because of the tasks they are required to perform. For instance,
bathing and dressing another adult can cause both parties to feel
uncomfortable.
The
Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program reports that 40 percent
of people receiving long-term care services are working adults between
the ages of 18 and 64. As you can see, the need for care can happen
at any age. When a need occurs, it is rewarding to know that you
can make the decision about your care, whether you want to remain
at home with a nurse or other health care professional assisting
you, move into an assisted living facility, adult day care center,
hospice facility or other options available to you. Having long-term
insurance can help cover the costs of your care and it may protect
your assets.
Long-term
insurance offers more than financial contributions; it can also
offer dignity, control of one’s life and choices. “An
help?
Medicare is only available to people over age 65 or those who are
disabled and it pays a specific amount toward care. Medicaid is
a program for those in financial need. If you have assets and income,
you will not receive Medicaid assistance until or unless your assets
have been depleted.
If
you have planned sufficiently, your long-term insurance will greatly
benefit you in your time of need. Many insurance plans will allow
you to choose the amount of coverage you want. Long-term insurance
is not for hospital and doctor bills or short-term rehabilitation
from an accident or recuperation from surgery. What long-term insurance
will give you is peace of mind that you will be cared for should
something serious happen to your health in the future.
Preferred
LTC, long-term care insurance from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
Alabama, is a solution for many families realizing the vital need
for long-term care. It helps people with chronic conditions function
more independently, protect their assets and reduce the burden for
family caregivers. Don’t delay. Find out the best plan for
you and feel better about your future.
For
more information on long-term care and the options available for
you and your family members, visit www.preferredltc.com.
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