Long term care is becoming a major concern not just for the elderly but for all Americans. We are all one moment away from an injury or illness that could require long term care treatment. Yet even if we are fortunate enough to go through life without ever needing personal care, it is reasonable safe to suggest that a family member will.

The image of someone sitting in a nursing home away from their loved ones is a fixture in our minds. However a substantial amount of long term care administrated in the United States is done in one's home. We need to ask are these images of Grandpa by the window in Cherry Acres part of the reason people do not protect against the need of long term care? It could be part of the problem ,but many more seem to be in denial or misinformed. Some people are under the impression that long term care insurance is nursing home only insurance, which only helps to reinforce pictures of Grandpa in the nursing home. While long term care insurance can cover the costs of a nursing home, it also can pay for adult living facilities, adult day care, respite care, hospice, and home care.

The question is who is going to administrate the help needed and pay for it? Many people believe that Medicare will pay for care or that they automatically qualify for Medicaid. Medicare only covers about 17.8% of nursing home costs on a national basis according to WebMD medical News by Patrick McCoy, CLU Legal, article 1601.50107, 1999. Also, based on the number of assets you have in your possession, you may not qualify for Medicaid. So you will be flipping the bill through personal savings or insurance until you are almost destitute. While others believe their family members will take care of them, you mist realize you are taking a big risk. Your family members may not be willing to take care of you 24 hours a day, or quit, or lose income because of you. We are all exposed to the possibility of needing care, and believe me long term care insurance can be more than just nursing home coverage.

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