What types of nursing care does long-term care insurance cover?

Answer:

It depends on the policy. Long-term care insurance (LTCI) policies define three levels of long-term care. Because some LTCI policies pay for only certain forms of care, it's important to understand these definitions:

Skilled care: Continuous round-the-clock care designed to treat a medical condition; it's ordered by a doctor and administered by skilled medical workers (e.g., registered nurses, professional therapists) as part of an established treatment plan
Intermediate care: Intermittent nursing and rehabilitative care provided by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse's aides under a doctor's supervision
Custodial care: Care designed to help the patient perform activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, or eating; it can be provided by someone without professional medical skills, but it's supervised by a doctor

Most LTCI policies cover skilled, intermediate, and custodial care in licensed nursing homes. Some of these policies may limit or exclude additional settings for long-term care (e.g., home health care, assisted-living facilities). To find out what type of care your LTCI policy covers and what facilities are approved to provide the care, be sure to read your policy carefully.

GE 51212 (12/09)

Please note that this material is presented for informational purposes only. AXA Equitable does not issues stand-alone long term care insurance policies or Medigap policies.

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