Long-term Care Insurance - Benefit Eligibility and Deductibles

Benefit Eligibility and Deductibles

You qualify for covered benefits with most plans when you need help with activities of daily living or when you need help because you have a severe cognitive impairment.

Most policies have an elimination period or waiting period similar to a deductible. This is the period of time that you pay for care before your benefits are paid. Elimination days may be from 20 to 120 days. The higher deductible period the lower the premium. Some policies require intended claimants to provide proof of 20 to 120 service days of paid care before any benefits will be paid. In some cases the option may be available to select zero elimination days when covered services are provided in the home in accordance with a Plan of Care. Some policies require that the policy for long-term care be paid up to one year before becoming eligible to collect benefits.