*Please note: This information is provided for educational purposes only. The availability of each program is determined by that government agency and the individual’s situation. Please consult directly with your insurance company or the government program.

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Senior citizens requiring long-term health care need to be aided by a caregiver in order to carry-out basic daily tasks and household chores throughout the day. Once these needs become a reality, we face the question: how will we face paying for long term care?

We have put together a summary of some of the resources that people use when they are faced with this same question. Each option holds different requirements and outcomes, so we suggest you consult a financial or insurance adviser as well as referring to the resources below.

Washington Long-Term Care Insurance

A lot of seniors will think to the future and purchase Washington medical insurance before it becomes too expensive. The Washington long-term care insurance policies are more complicated than the everyday types of that you're used to, such as life, auto, and homeowners insurance. When researching Washington long-term care insurance, you'll probably want to be educated in what physical and medical condition you will need to be in before insurance will cover your care.

For more information go to: www.longtermcare.gov

Washington Reverse Mortgage

A Washington reverse mortgage is a relatively recent program that some seniors over the age of 62 participate in. The program allows homeowners to convert part of the equity in their homes into tax-free cash without having to give up title, sell or take on a new monthly mortgage payment. In an Washington reverse mortgage the payment stream is "reversed." Instead of making monthly payments to a lender, a lender makes payments to the senior allowing them to remain in the home as long as they live, or move into a long-term care facility.

For more information go to: www.reversemortgage.org

Medicare Helps with Short-Term Care Costs

Washington Medicare is a federal health-insurance program that covers most Americans over the age of 65. It helps pay for short-term medical expenses, such as hospitalization, doctor bills, x-rays, radiation, and a variety of other tests and therapies. A co-payment for a part of the expenses may be required. However, Medicare does not pay for nonmedical care, such as long-term care and assistance with daily living activities, apart from in a few cases as explained below:

Hospitalization:

To qualify for Washington Medicare, one must have spent three nights in the hospital and must enter the nursing home within thirty days for rehab therapy for the same condition that was seen to during hospitalization. If conditions are met, Medicare fully covers the first twenty days of long-term care and partially for up to the next eighty days.

Days	What Medicare Pays	What You Pay
1-20	Full cost	Nothing
21-100	All but a daily copayment	A daily copayment
Beyond 100	Nothing	Full cost

Other Considerations:

Washington Medicare payments will continue as long as a senior is in a skilled rehabilitation program that is producing results, such as improved healing, strength, coordination and flexibility. Once skilled rehabilitation is no longer effective in improving a senior's condition, Medicare will stop paying - even if it's still within 100 days.

Families need to be strong advocates at the hospital for getting a senior into a nursing home if the family is unable to care for them at home.

Medicaid Helps with Paying for Long-Term Care

If your loved one enters a nursing home or long-term care facility, they may qualify for Washington Medicaid once their assets have been depleted.

For those over the age of 65, Washington Medicaid helps pay for nursing home costs once a senior has exhausted all, or almost all, of their own means. Washington Medicaid generally pays for care in a certified nursing home. Since regulations vary from state to state, check this government site and select "Medicaid/Medicare" for the rules in your state.

Once a senior qualifies, they will have to pay any remaining monthly income, such as social security or pension checks, to the nursing home. Washington Medicaid only pays the difference between the senior's remaining income and the nursing home's monthly charge.

Learn more about Washington medical insurance by contacting an insurance or financial advisor.