Many people are surprised to learn that health insurance does not cover in-home care, even if such services are recommended by a doctor. But the surprises don’t end there.
Keep reading to learn more about home care and how to get a caregiver insurance policy that will cover those services.
The Difference Between Home Care and Home Health Care
Not only are some confused about what insurance will cover home care but there can also be confusion over what home care is. Home care is most often mistaken for home health care.
Home Health Care
Home health care is considered medically necessary when prescribed by a doctor. This care is delivered by a medical professional such as a physical therapist, social worker, occupational therapist, or registered nurse. These specialists may dress wounds, administer medications, or assist with exercise prescribed by a health care provider.
Does private insurance cover home health care?
Home health care may be covered by health insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or veteran’s benefits.
Home Care
Home care includes services such as transportation assistance to get to doctor’s appointments or other places; assistance with safely bathing and grooming; medication reminders; providing companionship; and meal preparation.
What insurance covers in-home care?
Home care is typically paid for out of pocket or by long-term care insurance. In some cases, veteran’s benefits may cover some or all of the cost of home care services.
Do You Need Long-Term Homecare Insurance?
Less than 10% of Americans have long-term care insurance policies. That’s surprising, given that data shows almost 70% of Americans who reach the age of 65 will be unable to care for themselves at some point without assistance. Furthermore, the majority of people surveyed say that they want to “age in place,” or continue living in their homes rather than go to an assisted living facility or nursing home.
The choice to purchase long-term care insurance is a personal one. There are many costs to consider and, of course, no one knows exactly how long they might live or if a debilitating illness will strike or not.
When reviewing the costs of long-term care insurance, one should compare it to estimates for nursing home costs, then factor in chronic conditions that might affect premiums or even the ability to get the insurance, inflation, and more.
The Home Care Association of America’s “The Value of Home Care” report points out that home care can reduce the need for doctor visits and even reduce the chance of hospital readmissions, so the cost of long-term care insurance or privately paying for home care can potentially save money.
Talk to your family and financial planner to assess the cost of long-term care options and long-term care insurance. The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance can be a helpful resource for those looking for home care insurance companies to provide reliable coverage.
Planning for Your Future Home Care Needs
As people live longer, there are going to be fewer family caregivers available to help. A Harvard University report found that the ratio of family caregivers to those needing home care will decrease from 7:1 to less than 3:1 by 2050.
Also, family doesn’t always live close enough to help with things like grocery shopping or housework. In fact, according to the AARP, the average distance between those aged 60+ and their geographically closest child is 280 miles.
Homewatch CareGivers offers a wide range of home care services to meet each person’s unique needs. Sometimes, aging adults simply need a hand with housekeeping, transportation, and companionship to comfortably age in place. Our dedicated team can fill those gaps and provide peace of mind to clients and their family members.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with your local Homewatch CareGivers, call 888-404-5191 or submit our online form.
