Becoming Familiar with Alpharetta, Georgia, Options for Long-Term Care Insurance
Comfort Keepers of Alpharetta, GA, can assist you in understanding long-term care insurance. Long-term care insurance becomes a necessary benefit for aging adults because it pays for things like housekeeping, bathing, and more when you get older. We at Comfort Keepers of Canton, GA, are always happy to help with these and other concerns, but we understand that insurance can be confusing. That's why our office team is here to assist you in deciding what's best for you. In addition to guiding you through the paperwork, we'll explain to you what your insurance will and won't cover. In Alpharetta, just give us a ring at (770) 887-0492.
We have strong ties to Georgia and its insurance companies
Companies with which we've worked or are currently working include the following:
- Allianz
- Bankers Life
- Brighthouse
- CalPERS
- Genworth
- John Hancock
- Mass Mutual
- MetLife
- Northwestern
- TransAmerica
- TriPlus
- Unum
Long-term care isn't covered by most regular health insurance policies. When it comes to home health care, however, Medicare is likely to only cover brief stays in nursing homes. Comfort Keepers is here to help if this all seems too much for you. Everything you need to know about in-home care will be laid out in front of you. We want you to be delighted that you can mature in your own home in safety and comfort!
How can we assist?
If you have questions or concerns about long-term care insurance, we're here to help in a variety of ways.
- We take care of all the initial paperwork, signups, and forms.
- When it comes to the regular deluge of insurance questions and communication, we're here to help.
- Our faxes to claims departments will ensure that you don't miss out on any of the conveniences of in-home care.
Understanding Long-Term Care Insurance Options in Canton, GA: Your Essential FAQ
Planning for the future of care is a critical step for families in Canton, GA. Long-Term Care (LTC) insurance can be complex, but understanding the basics is essential to protect your assets and ensure you receive the quality care you deserve, potentially in the comfort of your own home.
Comfort Keepers of Canton is here to help you navigate these options. Here are answers to common questions about LTC insurance.
What is Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance and What Does it Cover?
LTC insurance is a private policy designed to cover the costs of long-term services and support, which are generally not covered by traditional health insurance, Medicare, or standard Medicare Supplement plans.
Coverage typically includes services like:
In-Home Care: Help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, eating) and companion care provided by agencies like Comfort Keepers.
Facility Care: Assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and adult day care centers.
Respite Care: Temporary care to give a family caregiver a break.
How Do Traditional and Hybrid LTC Policies Differ?
Policies vary greatly, but they generally fall into two main categories:
Policy Type | Payment Structure | Key Difference |
Traditional LTC | Ongoing premiums (may increase over time). | Benefits are only used for long-term care expenses. |
Hybrid Policy | Single large premium or limited payments (premiums are often guaranteed). | Combines LTC benefits with a life insurance policy or annuity. If LTC is never needed, there is a death benefit for beneficiaries. |
Hybrid policies often provide greater premium stability, while traditional policies may offer more customization in coverage amounts.
What are the Key Terms I Need to Know in My Policy?
Understanding these terms is crucial when comparing plans:
Benefit Trigger: The conditions you must meet to start receiving benefits. Typically, this means needing substantial assistance with at least two out of six Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)—like bathing, dressing, or eating—or having a severe cognitive impairment (e.g., Alzheimer's disease).
Daily/Monthly Benefit Maximum: The maximum dollar amount the policy will pay per day or month for qualifying care.
Lifetime Maximum: The total amount the policy will pay out over the life of the policyholder.
Elimination Period (Waiting Period): The set number of days you must pay for care out-of-pocket after the benefit trigger is met before the insurance company begins payment. Common periods are 30, 60, or 90 days.
Inflation Protection: An optional rider that increases your daily benefit maximum over time (e.g., 3-5% compounded annually) to keep pace with rising costs of care in the Canton area.
Who is Eligible for LTC Insurance and When Should I Apply?
LTC insurance is medically underwritten, meaning you must be in good health to qualify. Insurers look at your current health, medical history, and age.
Eligibility: Determined by the insurer after reviewing your application and medical records. Certain pre-existing conditions may lead to denial or higher premiums.
When to Apply: Most financial advisors recommend purchasing a policy in your mid-40s to mid-50s. Buying earlier secures a lower premium rate, which is typically locked in, and lessens the chance of being denied coverage due to later health issues.
How Do I Compare Plans and Policies?
When comparing different policies, especially in the Canton, GA area, focus on the following:
Scope of Coverage: Does the policy cover in-home care? (This is essential if your goal is to age in place.)
Benefit Amounts: Does the daily benefit maximum realistically cover the current cost of care in Cherokee County? (Ask providers like Comfort Keepers about local rates.)
Inflation Protection: Does the policy include or offer a strong inflation protection rider?
Elimination Period: Can you financially handle the required waiting period before benefits begin?
Company Ratings: Choose a policy from an insurer with high financial strength ratings (e.g., from A.M. Best or Standard & Poor's).
Georgia Partnership Program: Look into policies that qualify for the Georgia Long-Term Care Partnership Program, which may offer additional asset protection if you eventually need to apply for Medicaid.
Need help understanding your policy or navigating the claims process? Comfort Keepers of Canton, GA, has experience working with a variety of LTC insurance plans. Our team is honored to be recognized for its dedication to high-quality service, earning the 2019 National Business Research Institute (NBRI) Operational Excellence Award. We can assist you in understanding the specifics of your coverage and managing the required paperwork to ensure you receive the home care benefits you are entitled to.
Contact us in Cumming, GA, and the surrounding region
We serve not only Cumming, GA, but other area towns like Acworth, Waleska, Euharlee, Ranger, Fairmount, Oakman, and the surrounding area. Long-term care insurance is our specialty, and we're here to assist you: (770) 887-0492.
