*Please note: This information is provided for educational purposes only. The availability of each program is determined by that government agency and the individual’s situation. Please consult directly with your insurance company or the government program.

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Senior citizens requiring long-term health care need personal assistance in order to perform daily tasks and activities throughout the day. Once this becomes a reality, then the question arises: what are our options for long-term care coverage.

Below we have offered a brief explanation of some of the resources that people use who are confronted with this same question. Each option holds different requirements and outcomes, so we suggest you consult a financial or insurance advisor as well as referring to the resources below.

Washington Long-Term Care Insurance

Some people plan for their old age and acquire long term care insurance before it is required and therefore at a lower cost. The long-term care coverage policies are more complicated than the everyday types of insurance, such as vehicle, life and homeowners insurance. When looking into health insurance for senior citizens, you'll probably want to be educated in what physical and medical condition you need to be in before insurance will kick in.

For further information go to: www.longtermcare.gov

Washington Reverse Mortgage

A Washington reverse mortgage is a recent plan that some seniors over the age of 62 participate in. The plan enables to convert part of the equity in their homes into tax-free cash without having to sell, give up title, or take on a new monthly mortgage payment. In a Washington reverse mortgage the payment stream is "reversed." Instead of making monthly payments to a lender, a lender makes payments to the senior allowing them to remain in their home as long as they live, or move into a long-term care facility.

For more information go to: www.reversemortgage.org

Washington Medicare Helps with Short-Term Care Costs

Medicare is a federal health-insurance program that covers most Americans over the age of 65. It helps pay for short-term medical expenses, such as hospitalization, doctor bills, x-rays, radiation, and a variety of other tests and therapies. A co-payment for a part of the expenses may be required. However, Medicare does not pay for nonmedical care, such as long-term care and assistance with daily living activities, expect for a few instances as summarized below:

Hospitalization:

To qualify for Washington Medicare, a senior citizen must have spent three nights in the hospital and must enter the nursing home within thirty days for rehab therapy for the same condition that they were hospitalized for.

If conditions are met, Medicare fully covers the first 20 days of long-term care and partially for up to the next 80 days.

Days	What Medicare Pays	What You Pay
1-20	Full cost	Nothing
21-100	All but a daily copayment	A daily copayment
Beyond 100	Nothing	Full cost

Other Considerations:

Washington Medicare payments will continue as long as a senior is in a skilled rehabilitation program that is producing results, such as improved health, strength, coordination and flexibility. Once skilled rehabilitation is no longer effective in improving a senior's condition, Medicare will stop paying - even if it's still within 100 days.

Families need to be strong advocates at the hospital for getting a senior into a nursing home if the family can't care for them at home.

Washington Medicaid Helps in Paying for Long-Term Care

If a senior requires residence at a nursing home or long-term care facility, they may qualify for Washington Medicaid once their assets have been depleted.

For those over the age of 65, Washington Medicaid helps pay for nursing home costs once the individual has exhausted all, or almost all, of their own means. Washington Medicaid generally pays for care in a certified-nursing home. Since regulations vary from state to state, check this government site then select "Medicaid/Medicare" for the rules in your state.

Once a senior qualifies, they will have to pay any remaining monthly income, such as social security or pension checks, to the nursing home. Washington Medicaid only pays the difference between the senior's remaining income and the nursing home's monthly charge.

Learn more about how to pay for long-term care by contacting an insurance or financial advisor.