Does long-term care insurance pay for home care?

The two numbers that decide what you get

• The elimination period. The California Department of Insurance explains that during it “you will be responsible for paying the full cost of your care.” The most common options are 0, 30, 90 or 100 days. In some situations a day of in-home care satisfies the elimination period, so check how your policy counts days.¹
• The daily benefit. You choose a maximum daily benefit when you buy the policy. In California the minimum home care daily benefit you can select is $50 a day.¹

What to ask the insurer before you start

• Does the policy pay for care from a licensed home care agency, and does the agency have to meet any requirement?
• How does the policy count days of home care toward the elimination period?
• Is the daily benefit paid as reimbursement after you send bills, or in another way?
• What documents does the insurer need from the agency, and how soon?

Ask the agency

Ask any agency for a written rate and a written invoice format that matches what the insurer needs. See how to choose a home care agency.