Long-term-care insurance commonly uses functional and cognitive triggers to determine benefit eligibility. A typical trigger is certification that the insured cannot perform at least two activities of daily living, or ADLs, without substantial assistance for the required period. Common ADLs include bathing, continence, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring. Another common trigger is severe cognitive impairment requiring substantial supervision to protect the insured’s health and safety.
Long-term-care coverage is not based merely on reaching a certain age, unemployment, or a premium-payment issue. It is designed to help pay for qualifying long-term services when the insured needs ongoing assistance because of chronic illness, disability, or cognitive impairment. Covered services may include nursing-home care, assisted living, adult day care, home health care, hospice care, and respite care, depending on the policy.
The producer should explain the elimination period, daily or monthly benefit limit, benefit period, inflation-protection options, facility restrictions, and policy exclusions. An insured may need care for years, so a policy with a low daily benefit or short benefit period may not meet the client’s needs. Suitability requires evaluating likely care preferences, assets, family support, and affordability.
References/topics from the Study Guide: Long-Term Care Insurance; Activities of Daily Living; Cognitive Impairment; Benefit Triggers; Elimination Period.
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