In general, the phrase "long-term care" refers to a broad range of services you may need for an extended period of time because of a chronic illness or disability.

Long-term care includes medical services, such as nursing care or therapies. It also includes supportive services, such as bathing, dressing, getting in and out of bed, taking medicines, or preparing meals. Long-term care can be provided in a variety of settings, including nursing homes, your home, an adult day care center, or a group living arrangement with supportive services.

Long-term care insurance is an effective way to help protect your assets and savings against the rising costs of care. Another major advantage of this valuable protection is not having to rely on family and friends for all your care needs.

There's a big difference between health insurance and long-term care insurance! Health insurance (including Medicare) generally only pays the cost of treating illness or injuries, including doctor visits, hospitalization, and lab tests. Many people believe they can rely on Medicare to pay for any long-term care services they will need.

The Fact Is:
Medicare does not pay for what comprises the majority of long-term care services - non-skilled assistance with the activities of daily living. Medicare only pays for long-term care if you require skilled services or recuperative care for a maximum of 100 days.

If you want to help protect your income and assets, long-term care insurance should be an essential part of your retirement plan.

The need for long-term care can come at any age, regardless of health status. Many people who truly intend to purchase long-term care insurance put it off, thinking they can wait until they are older before deciding to buy.

The fact is a person can need long-term care services at any age. Forty (40%) percent of people currently receiving long-term care are adults 18 to 64. Seventy (70%) percent of adults who live beyond age 65 will need some type of long-term care services.

You may be in good health today...but waiting may be costly. If your health changes, or should you suffer an accident, you may become uninsurable and unable to obtain insurance at any price. And then you could be faced with paying all the bills yourself.

The advantage of a CASH-First long-term care insurance policy is that it provides you with the option of cash today - based on the first day of qualified need - with no elimination period to satisfy.

CASH-First benefits can be used any way you choose. There's no need to collect and mail bills for reimbursement. No need to worry whether expenses will qualify for coverage. You simply receive the full monthly cash benefit you select to help pay for anything at all...family travel expenses, lost income when your caregiver misses work, housekeeping services, or other out of pocket costs.

HealthChoice Insurance Solutions is the marketer for these plans. The Long-Term Care Insurance is underwritten by United of Omaha Life Insurance Company, Omaha Nebraska 68175.

Long-term care services can be very expensive. As a national average, the daily rate for a private room in a nursing home is $209 or $76,285 per year. As for home care the average hourly rate for a home health aide is $29 and the average hourly rate for homemaker services is $18.

If you want to help protect your income and assets, long-term care insurance should be an essential part of your retirement plan. The costs of long-term care services can be staggering and could pose a threat to your financial independence during your retirement years.

To find out more information about the Long-Term Care programs offered by HealthChoice, simply click the Request More Information button, fill out some basic information, and an agent will contact you to answer all of your questions.