The Voice

Long-term care is assistance with routine activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing and dressing, for an extended period of time. The need for long-term care can occur at any time and at any age due to an unexpected accident or serious illness.

Why should UUP bargaining unit members consider buying long-term care insurance when they already have medical or disability insurance? These types of insurance typically do not cover the cost of long-term care services. A member’s finances could be quickly depleted without specific insurance to help cover these costs.

Medical insurance covers traditional medical services, such as hospital care, doctor visits and medications. Disability insurance is designed solely to replace a portion of lost wages for those unable to work.

Medicare provides only limited coverage for long-term care services, and members may have to be a certain age to qualify. Medicaid generally won’t provide assistance for long-term care until most of a person’s assets and income have been used to pay for the cost of care.