Long-Term Care Insurance & Home Care in Colorado
Paying for in-home care can feel overwhelming, but some families have long-term care insurance benefits that may help cover qualifying home care services.
At Assisting Hands Home Care, we work with families who are exploring their long-term care insurance benefits and need non-medical assistance at home.
Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cover Home Care?
Many long-term care insurance policies include benefits for home-based care, but coverage varies by policy.
Because policies differ, it is important to contact your insurance company or benefits administrator to confirm your specific coverage.
Your policy may specify:
- What types of care are covered
- How much your policy will pay
- How benefits are calculated
- Whether there is an elimination or waiting period
- What qualifications must be met
- Whether a licensed or approved provider is required
- How claims and reimbursements are handled
Understanding Benefit Triggers and Elimination Periods
Benefit triggers: Before a long-term care insurance policy begins paying, the insured person must meet the policy’s benefit trigger. For most tax-qualified policies, a licensed health care practitioner must certify that the person either needs help with at least two of six activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring, and continence) for an expected period of at least 90 days, or needs substantial supervision because of moderate to severe cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Many policies also require a written plan of care.
Elimination period: The elimination period works like a deductible measured in days instead of dollars. It is the number of days, often 30, 60, or 90, that must pass after the benefit trigger is met before the policy begins paying. Care received during this period is usually paid privately. Some policies count every calendar day, while others count only days when paid care is received. Some policies waive the elimination period for home care. Because these terms vary, check your policy or ask your insurer how your elimination period is counted and what documentation is required. Assisting Hands can help provide the care records your insurer may request.
What Types of Home Care May Be Covered?
Depending on the policy, qualifying benefits may include assistance with everyday activities such as:
Bathing and personal hygiene
Dressing and grooming
Toileting and incontinence care
Mobility and transfers
Meal preparation
Companionship
Light housekeeping
Transportation and errands
Other qualifying daily activities, depending on the policy
Coverage is determined by the individual policy and eligibility requirements.
How Assisting Hands Can Help
Our team can discuss your loved one’s care needs, schedule, and goals, and explain the non-medical home care services we provide.
If your long-term care insurance company has specific provider requirements, we encourage you to confirm those requirements before beginning services.
Have Long-Term Care Insurance?
If you’re unsure where to begin, start by reviewing your policy and contacting your insurance provider.
Then contact Assisting Hands to discuss your family’s home care needs.
Serving Littleton, Lakewood, Highlands Ranch, Denver, and surrounding Colorado communities.