*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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Frequently, senior adults who need long-term care will need to be aided by a caregiver for basic living activities and tasks that will confront them throughout the day. These seniors are faced with the question: how do we pay for long-term care?

Below, we offer a description of the many resources that families utilize who are facing this same question. Each option holds different requirements and outcomes, so Avamere suggests that you see a financial consultant or insurance advisor in addition to referencing the resources described below.

Washington Long-Term Care Insurance

People will often plan in advance and buy Washington state health insurance before it becomes too expensive. The Washington long-term care insurance policies are more complex in comparison to the regular insurance policies that you're familiar with, such as vehicle, life and homeowners insurance. When researching Washington long-term care insurance, you'll probably want to be educated in what physical and medical condition a senior needs to be in before insurance will provide.

For more information go to: www.longtermcare.gov

Washington Reverse Mortgage

A Washington reverse mortgage is a relatively recent strategy that some senior citizens over the age of 62 participate in. The strategy means seniors are able to convert part of the equity in their homes into tax-free cash without having to give up the title, sell 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 the home as long as they live, 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 non-medical 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 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 for which they were hospitalized. If conditions are met, Medicare covers fully the first twenty days of long-term care and partially for 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 the family is unable care for them at home.

Washington Medicaid Helps with Paying for Long-Term Care

If you or a loved one needs to take up 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 http://www.govbenefits.gov - 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.

Learn more about Washington state health insurance by contacting a financial or insurance advisor.