According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 70% of people turning 65 can expect to use some form of long-term care during their lives. But less than one-third of Americans 50+ have begun saving for long-term care.
Long-term care includes a range of personal daily living services. Most long-term care isn’t related to medical care, but rather assistance with daily bathing, dressing, using the toilet or eating. Other common long-term supports include help with housework, managing money, taking medication and shopping.
Many Americans mistakenly believe that Medicare pays for the bulk of long-term care. In fact, Medicare only pays for long-term care if you require skilled services or rehabilitative services, and it will only do so in a nursing home for a maximum of 100 days (the average is 22 days), or at home for a much shorter period.
Long-term care insurance can be expensive, but not having it may endanger your retirement and other savings. Here are some tips to consider before you buy:
- Don’t buy more insurance than you think you may need, or too little. You may have enough income to cover the bulk of your costs, and so may only need a small policy to cover the remainder. Family members also may be willing and able to provide support. It is also far more difficult to increase coverage than decrease coverage, especially if your health has deteriorated.
- It costs less to buy coverage when you are young. The average age of people buying long-term care insurance is about 60, but it’s significantly less expensive if you buy it in your late 40s or early 50s.
- Research and consider different options and talk with a financial advisor before finalizing your decision.
For more information about the basics of long-term care, its costs, and guidelines to help you make a decision, check with a financial advisor or visit http://www.longtermcare.gov
FM International Services (NY), Ltd. provides a wide range of retirement services featuring customized benefit plans, flexible investment options, and centralized pension administration. Through Fmi’s countless services, businesses of all sizes create unique domestic and international retirement plans for two employees or two thousand – with a single provider handling conversion, setup, and administration.
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