What is Long-Term Care?

Find out how you can benefit.

Long-term care (LTC) is the type of assistance you may eventually need over an extended period of time if you experience a debilitating chronic illness or disability, or if you suffer from memory loss or confusion (like Alzheimer's). LTC makes it easier to perform ordinary, daily tasks like eating, bathing, dressing, or transferring to and from a bed or chair. An LTC plan can be an affordable way to help protect your assets and your independence and functionality...limiting the emotional, physical, or financial strain on those you care about.

Why is an LTC plan important?

Many people mistakenly believe that Medicare can be used for long-term care. In reality, Medicare does not cover custodial care, which comprises 90% of all home health care. As a result, long-term care can deplete a family's emotional and financial resources very quickly. A long-term plan can help:

• Protect your freedom by making it possible for you to get in-home care.
• Keep inflation and medical costs from eating away at your assets.
• Take the burden of care off your spouse or adult children.

There's a misconception that only the very old need LTC services. Actually...

• 4 out of 10 people who currently receive LTC are age 18-64*
• 7 out of 10 people over age 65 will need some LTC services*
*Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Clearinghouse for Long Term Care Information, 10/22/08

Find out more about Long-Term Care services.

(Individual LTC coverage is offered through WEA Trust Member Benefits.)