Paying for Long Term Care

What is long term care?

How does Medicaid help pay for long term care?

Does Medicare pay for long term care?

What is long term care insurance and what does it cover?

What help is available for veterans?

Are there other state programs which provide long term care assistance?

What is long term care?
Long term care is a broad term used to describe the continuum of care options and settings for people who need assistance managing their Activities of Daily Living. Long term care can include help in your home, Adult Foster Care, Residential Care, Assisted Living, Adult Day Care, and Nursing Home Care. Long-term care also includes case-management services. S&DS provides assistance coordinating and arranging for long-term services for seniors and persons with physical disabilities. For clients with developmental disabilities or mental health concerns, please contact Lane County Developmental Disabilities or Lane County Mental Health.

How does Medicaid help pay for long term care?
Medicaid is a state and federal insurance program designed to cover medical costs for certain low-income people. Clients eligible for Medicaid may also receive assistance in paying for long-term care services. S&DS determines Medicaid eligibility for seniors and persons with disabilities living in Lane County. Medicaid has special rules for married couples applying for Medicaid under the Spousal Impoverishment Program ( pdf file). For answers to your questions about the estate recovery process, download the EAU brochure ( pdf file).

Does Medicare pay for long-term care?
Medicare does not pay for long-term care services. Medicare does pay for skilled nursing or home health care if you meet certain conditions. For more information visit, Medicare.gov.

What is long term care insurance and what does it cover?
Long term care insurance is designed to help pay for many types of long-term care, including both skilled nursing care and community-based care. The extent of coverage will vary, depending on the policy. While some policies cover only nursing facility care, other policies may cover adult foster care, in-home care, or assisted living. For information on locating a insurance agent who has expertise in long term care insurance, see the Oregon’s Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program brochure ( pdf file).

What help is available for veterans?
For information about services for veterans, please contact the following:
Veterans’ Service of Lane County
Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ Health Administration

Are there other state programs which provide long term care assistance?
You may be eligible for services under the Oregon Project Independence program.

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