This content is sponsored by MOAA Insurance Plans.
When it comes to planning for care needs, understanding the distinctions between long-term care and short-term care is crucial. Each type of care serves distinct purposes and is tailored to meet different needs based on the individual's health condition and circumstances.
What Is Long-Term Care?
Long-term care is designed for individuals who need ongoing assistance with daily activities due to chronic illness, disability, or advanced age. If you are turning 65 today, there’s a 70% chance you may need long-term care in the coming years.*
Common reasons for needing long-term care include:
- Chronic Illness: Conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or other chronic illnesses that progressively worsen over time.
- Disability: Physical or cognitive disabilities that require ongoing assistance and support.
- Advanced Age: Aging seniors who require help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and managing medications.
Many people purchase long-term care insurance for their parents to ensure they are adequately covered as they age, which is an option for MOAA members as they consider the rising costs of medical care and the increased likelihood of family members needing assistance with daily activities. In fact, the average cost of one bedroom at an assisted living facility is projected to be over $70,000 per year by 2030. Long-term care insurance offers a practical solution for managing these expenses.**
What Is Short-Term Care?
Short-term care, also known as transitional care or post-acute care, is focused on providing temporary assistance to individuals recovering from an acute illness, injury, or surgery. This type of care aims to help patients regain independence and functionality before transitioning back to their homes or regular routines.
Short-term care often covers the cost of treatment like physical therapy. Unlike long-term care where additional coverage is to be expected, short-term care can act like a safety net when faced with unexpected accidents or injuries.
How to Choose Between Short-Term and Long-Term Care
- Duration of Care Needs: Long-term care is ongoing, while short-term care is temporary and focused on recovery.
- Level of Assistance Required: Long-term care provides extensive support with daily activities and medical needs, whereas short-term care focuses on rehabilitation and temporary assistance.
- Health Condition and Prognosis: The type of care needed depends on the individual's health condition, prognosis, and ability to regain independence.
- Current Coverage: Certain long-term or short-term care plans may offer coverage for expenses traditional medical plans or Medicare might not cover.
Whether you’re planning for long-term support or recovering from a temporary health setback, assessing care options early ensures that appropriate arrangements are in place to maintain quality of life and ensure optimal health outcomes.
MOAA offers its exclusive solutions to members to help cover the costs of extended care. Start protecting you and your family now from unexpected medical costs by calling 1-800-247-2192 or visiting moaainsurance.com to learn more about coverage options available to you.
*U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, “How much care will you need?” https://acl.gov/ltc/basic-needs/how-much-care-will-you-need. Viewed 7/3/2024.
**SeniorLiving.org, Memory Care Costs. https://www.seniorliving.org/memory-care/costs/. Viewed 7/3/2024.