*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 often cannot get out of bed, shower safely and groom themselves without assistance. They require help from another to take care of these daily living tasks and other activities throughout the day. As it becomes clear that these needs have become a reality, the question comes: what are our options in terms of long-term care insurance, and what options do we have for covering the cost of long-term health care?

Avamere offers a description of some of the resources that people facing this same situation use. Since each option is different and the requirements and consequences are often complicated, Avamere suggests that you see a financial consultant 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 Washington health insurance before it becomes too expensive. The long-term care insurance policies are more complex than buying the more standard types of insurance you are accustomed to, such as home, life and car. When looking into this option, you'll probably want to be educated in what physical and medical condition someone will need to be in before insurance will cover your care.

For further information go to: www.longtermcare.gov

Washington Reverse Mortgage

A Washington reverse mortgage is a relatively new program that some senior citizens who are over age 62 participate in. The program allows homeowners to convert part of the equity in their homes into tax-free cash without having to sell, give up their 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, or move into a long-term care facility.

For further 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, with the exception of a few situations as outlined below:

Hospitalization:

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

If conditions are met, Medicare covers fully the first twenty days of long-term care and partially up to the next eighty 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 they are unable to care for them at home.

Washington Medicaid Helps with Paying for Long-Term Care

If your loved one enters 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 a senior 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 for Washington Medicaid, 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.

Educate yourself further on long-term care insurance by contacting a financial or insurance consultant.