What type of services does long-term care insurance cover?

Long-term care insurance primarily covers services for individuals who need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). These activities can include bathing, dressing, eating, using the toilet, transferring (such as moving from a bed to a wheelchair), and continence. The goal of long-term care insurance is to provide support for individuals who may not be able to perform these necessary tasks independently due to a chronic illness or disability.

This type of insurance can provide a range of services beyond just nursing home care, including in-home care, assisted living facilities, adult day care, and other supportive services that help individuals manage their daily lives more effectively. It is designed to address the long-term needs of individuals who may require ongoing assistance or supervision, rather than acute medical care.

Understanding this fundamental purpose of long-term care insurance helps clarify the distinction between it and other types of health insurance or medical coverage, which may focus more on treatments and emergency medical needs rather than daily living assistance.