One of the first questions families ask when considering long-term care is simple:
“How are we going to pay for this?”
It’s an understandable concern. Whether you’re planning ahead for yourself or helping a loved one, understanding the different ways long-term care can be funded can reduce stress and help you make informed decisions.
The good news is that there isn’t just one answer. Depending on your situation, there may be several options available.
Private Pay
Many people begin paying for long-term care using personal savings, retirement income, pensions, investments, or proceeds from the sale of a home.
Private pay offers the most flexibility, but it’s important to plan ahead since long-term care can become a significant expense over time.
If you’re considering this option, meeting with a financial planner or elder law attorney like Kristen Armstrong with Generations Estate Planning & Elder Law can help you understand how to make your resources last.
Long-Term Care Insurance
If your loved one purchased a long-term care insurance policy before needing care, it may cover part or all of the cost of nursing home care, assisted living, or in-home services.
Every policy is different. Benefits often depend on:
- When the policy was purchased
- The type of care needed
- Waiting periods (also called elimination periods)
- Daily or lifetime benefit limits
If you’re unsure what a policy covers, ask the insurance company for a benefits review before making care decisions.
Medicare
One of the biggest misconceptions is that Medicare pays for long-term nursing home care.
In reality, Medicare generally covers short-term skilled or rehabilitation services following a qualifying hospital stay, as long as certain medical requirements are met.
Medicare does not typically pay for ongoing custodial or long-term nursing home care.
This surprises many families, so it’s important to understand the difference early in the planning process.
Medicaid
For many individuals, Medicaid becomes the primary payer for long-term nursing home care once financial eligibility requirements are met.
Medicaid is based on both income and assets, and the application process can feel overwhelming. The rules are designed to ensure assistance goes to those who qualify, and every persons financial situation is unique.
The good news is that help is always available.
If you’re not sure whether you or your loved one may qualify, don’t try to figure it out alone.
The South Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SCKAA) is an excellent resource for families navigating long-term care. Jill Berckefeldt in the McPherson County office can provide information about available programs, explain eligibility requirements, connect you with benefits counseling, and point you toward additional community resources.
They are a trusted partner for older adults and caregivers throughout south central Kansas, and they’re a great place to start if you have questions.
Veterans Benefits
Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that can help offset the cost of long-term care.
Eligibility depends on military service, financial qualifications, and the type of care needed. If your loved one served in the military, it’s worth exploring whether these benefits are available.
Planning Ahead Makes a Difference
The best time to talk about paying for long-term care is before a crisis happens.
Having conversations early allows families to:
- Understand available resources
- Gather important financial documents
- Explore insurance coverage
- Learn about Medicaid eligibility
- Make care decisions without the pressure of an emergency
Even if you don’t need care today, learning about your options can provide peace of mind for the future.
We’re Here to Help
At Pleasant View Home, we know that navigating long-term care can feel overwhelming. Questions about finances are just as important as questions about medical care.
While we can’t provide legal or financial advise, we’re happy to help families understand the admissions process, explain common payment options, and connect them with trusted community resources like the South Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging.
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Planning ahead, and asking questions, is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your family.
We have staff members ready to help you and your family navigate the process.
Our Financial Coordinator, Krystal Meyer, is knowledgeable in Medicare, Medicaid and insurances as they pertain to Pleasant View Home.
Our Admissions Coordinator, Jodi Reazin, LPN, is ready to work with you and your family as to how we can meet your medical needs.
Our Marketing Director, Theresa Teufel, is happy to give you and your family a guided tour and introduce you to our care teams, leadership team and therapy team.
If you’d like to learn more about long-term care at Pleasant View Home or schedule a tour, we’d love to hear from you.
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