Thank you for attending this informative session on long-term care. We covered common misconceptions, explored different levels of care, and discussed important options for planning ahead. Whether you're planning for yourself or a loved one, understanding your choices now can make all the difference later.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Medicare vs. Medicaid

Medicare does not pay for long-term custodial care. It only covers short-term skilled care (e.g., rehab after hospitalization). Medicaid may help, but you must qualify financially, and eligibility rules vary by state.

Plan Early for Medicaid

Don’t wait until a care need arises to transfer assets. States have a 5-year “look back” period that could disqualify you if assets were moved too recently. Consult an elder care attorney familiar with your state’s laws.

Understand Levels of Care

Care options include independent living, assisted living, and nursing homes. Each has different services and costs. Only nursing home care may be covered by long-term care Medicaid; other options are private pay.

Know What Skilled Care Means

Skilled care is short-term and medically necessary, usually after a hospital stay of at least 3 nights. Medicare may pay for up to 100 days (first 20 fully covered). Once you move to custodial (long-term) care, it becomes private pay.

Hospice Is a Medicare Benefit

Hospice care supports those with terminal illnesses and can be provided at home, in facilities, or hospitals. It includes a team approach: nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, and even grief support for families.

Long-Term Care Insurance Tips

These policies can help cover custodial care costs but are expensive. If you have one, make sure a trusted person knows how to access it and is authorized to speak to the insurance company. Otherwise, benefits may go unused.

Choosing the Right Facility

Match care level and personal preferences. Use tools like Medicare’s nursing home comparison website. Always try to tour in person. Pay attention to red flags like lack of staff or poor cleanliness.

Helpful Resources

Visit medicare.gov to compare nursing homes and medicaidplanningassistance.org (American Council on Aging) to check Medicaid eligibility.

By planning ahead and doing your homework, you can make more informed and confident choices about long-term care.