*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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Frequently, senior adults who need long-term care will have trouble getting out of bed, taking baths and grooming themselves. They require help from another in order to perform these daily tasks and as well as household chores throughout the day. Once these needs become a reality, they are faced with the question: how to pay for long-term care.

Here we have summed up and put together a short explanation of the many resources that families utilize who are confronted with this same question. Since each option carries different consequences, we recommend that you refer yourself to an insurance or financial adviser in addition to the resources below.

Washington Long-Term Care Insurance

Some people plan for their old age and acquire Washington health insurance when it's affordable. The long-term care insurance policies are more complicated than the more common types of insurance, such as home, life and car. When researching this option, you'll probably want to be educated in what physical and medical condition one need to be in before your insurance will begin to pay.

For further information go to: www.longtermcare.gov

Washington Reverse Mortgage

A Washington reverse mortgage is a fairly new plan that some seniors who are over age 62 rely on. The strategy means seniors are able to convert part of the equity in their homes into tax-free cash without having to sell, give up their title, or take on a new monthly mortgage payment. In a 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 whilst they are still alive, or move into a long-term care facility.

For further information go to: www.reversemortgage.org

Washington Medicare Helps with Short-Term Care Costs

Oregon 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, except in a few situations as the following outlines:

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 for the same condition that was treated in the hospital.

If conditions are met, Medicare fully covers the first 20 days of long-term care and partially up to the next 80 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 health, 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 can't care for them at home.

Washington Medicaid Helps Pay 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 the individual 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 then 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 long-term care costs by contacting a financial or insurance advisor.