Long-term care questions, answered
Straight answers to the questions people ask most when they start planning for long-term care. No jargon, no sales pitch.
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Does Medicare cover long-term care?
No. Medicare covers only limited, short-term skilled care — not the ongoing custodial care most people need.
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Does Medicaid pay for long-term care?
Yes, but only after you have spent down most of your assets to qualify. Medicaid is the largest payer of long-term care in the U.S.
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What is the average cost of long-term care?
In 2025, roughly $80,000/year for home care, $74,000 for assisted living, and $115,000+ for a nursing home.
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At what age should I buy long-term care insurance?
Most people buy in their 50s or early 60s, while they are healthy enough to qualify and premiums are lower.
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What does long-term care insurance cover?
Help with daily activities across settings — home care, adult day care, assisted living, and nursing homes.
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What is the difference between traditional and hybrid long-term care insurance?
Traditional is standalone "use-it-or-lose-it" coverage; hybrid combines care with life insurance or an annuity.
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Can I get long-term care insurance if I have health problems?
It depends. Coverage is medically underwritten, and some conditions make traditional policies unavailable.
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What happens if I never use my long-term care insurance?
With traditional coverage, premiums are not returned. Hybrid policies pay your family instead.
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What are activities of daily living (ADLs)?
The six basic self-care tasks — bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, continence, and transferring.
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Is long-term care insurance worth it?
It depends on your assets, income, health, and goals — it protects savings, but only if you can afford the premium long term.
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