How to pay for future nursing home care concerns many Americans as they get older. Many consider purchasing long-term care insurance, but it might not be the best option for everyone.
The costs of staying in a nursing home are already very expensive and they are expected to rise. Individual Americans have to figure out a way to afford a nursing home, if it is ever needed.
While it is true that Medicaid will pay for nursing home care, the government will not pay if you have plenty of your own assets. That means if you were planning on leaving a sizable estate to your children, you will likely be unable to do so, if Medicaid pays for your nursing home care.
Another option to consider, is to purchase long-term care insurance.
Recently, the Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog discussed it in “Should You Buy Long-Term Care Insurance?”
One of the key questions to consider, is when you might need the insurance coverage. If you are unlikely to need nursing home care for a long time, then it is often a better idea to save enough money so you can self-insure against the possibility of needing long-term care.
On the other hand, some long-term care policies have waiting periods that need to be considered. If you are likely to require nursing home care before the end of the waiting period, then an insurance policy will not help you.
One thing is certain. Long-term care insurance policies are complex.
You should seek the advice of an elder law attorney before signing a policy.
Reference: Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog (Feb. 16, 2017) “Should You Buy Long-Term Care Insurance?”
