The Different Types of Long Term Care Insurance

Picking the right type of life insurance for you can be tricky, but considering long-term care is a necessity in life, it is something that is worth investing in. You never know what may happen with your health and this will protect against those possibilities. In this article, we will be discussing Long-term Care Insurance and the different types available. The two main types of Long-term Care Insurance are usually categorized as either private or public insurance. Public Types of Long-Term Care Insurance are funded by government programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, or other type of federally run program. Private Types of Long Term Care Insurance are purchased through an individual company that offers these policies to individuals based on their needs for care in the future.

Types of Long Term Care Insurance

Types of Long Term Care Insurance are also categorized by two main types, indemnity-based and managed care. Indemnity-based Long-Term Care Insurance operates much like traditional health insurance in that you receive a policy to cover your out-of-pocket expenses for different types of long-term care services. You pay a premium each month and the insurance company pays the provider for your care. With managed care Long-Term Care Insurance, you receive a policy that outlines what services are covered and how much the insurance company will pay for those services. You then use providers who have been pre-approved by the insurance company in order to get reimbursed for your costs.

There is also another type of long-term care coverage which is called an annuity. An annuity is a contract between an individual and an insurance company where the individual agrees to make payments to the insurance company in return for monthly or yearly payments from the insurance company. This type of policy can be used as a supplement to other Types of Long Term Care Insurance policies or it can be used as the only form of long-term care coverage.

Types of Long Term Care Insurance

• Private vs. Public
• Indemnity vs. Managed Care
• Annuity Coverage

Benefits of Private Long-Term Care Insurance

• You have more control over the services that are covered
• You can choose your own provider
• Premiums are usually fixed and do not increase as you get older
• Policies can be tailored to meet your specific needs

Drawbacks of Private Long Term Care Insurance 

• They can be expensive, especially for those who buy them later on in life
• If you cancel your policy, you may not receive a refund
• Not all providers offer this type of coverage

Public Types of long-term care insurance come with their own set of benefits and drawbacks. Some benefits include: 

Benefits of Public Long Term Care Insurance: 

• They are typically less expensive than private policies
• (Managed) care policies usually cover a wider range of services
• You don’t have to worry about finding a provider who accepts your insurance

Drawbacks of Public Long Term Care Insurance:

• You may not be able to choose your own provider
• The types of services covered may be limited
• Coverage can vary from state to state

Annuity coverage is another option for those looking for long-term care. Some benefits include:

Benefits of Annuity Coverage: 

• The premiums are typically lower than other types of Long Term Care Insurance policies
• It can act as a supplement to other Types of Long Term Care Insurance or it can be the only form of coverage you need

Drawbacks of Annuity Coverage: 

• You may not be able to cancel your policy and receive a refund
• Not all providers offer this type of coverage

Which type of life insurance or long term care insurance policy is best for you will depend on a variety of factors including your age, health, and budget. Speak to an insurance agent to figure out which policy is right for you and get the coverage you need to feel secure in knowing that you will be taken care of if something happens to you in the future.