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1. What is long-term care insurance?

This is an insurance policy that is designed to help cover the costs of medical, personal, and social services when you are unable to take care of yourself due to prolonged illness or disability. These policies usually pay for skilled, intermediate, and custodial care in a nursing home. Home health care, adult day care, and assisted living care are also often covered. These policies usually pay a fixed amount per day or per visit to facilities or caregivers that are licensed by the state and/or participate in Medicaid and Medicare.

2. Where can I find out more information about Long-Term Care Insurance?

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners, an organization of state insurance regulators, has prepared a variety of free resources to help consumers understand Long-Term Care Insurance. These resources are available through their Long-Term Care Insurance special section as well as Insure U, a NAIC website specifically designed to provide information and educational materials to consumers. Below are some examples of the free resources the NAIC has developed for consumers.

10 Things You Should Know About Buying Long-Term Care Insurance
Shopper's Guide to Long-Term Care
Consumer Alert - Long-Term Care Insurance: What You Should Know
Take the Insure U long-Term Care Quiz

3. What is the difference between a tax qualified and a non-tax qualified plan?

Benefits paid by a tax-qualified long-term care plan generally are not taxable as income. Benefits from a non-tax-qualified long term care plan may be taxable as income. Check with your tax advisor about the possibility of deducting a portion of the premiums paid in addition to the individual tax consequences involved.

4. Does Medicare pay for long-term care?

Medicare will pay for some home health care and skilled nursing facility care following a hospital stay as a part of continuing care. It does not pay for nursing home care or longer-term home care. Medicare does not pay for most long-term care services. Individuals should not rely on Medicare to meet their long-term care service needs. Medicare does not pay for custodial care when that is the only kind of care needed. Find out more by visiting Medicare.gov's website.

5. Does Medicaid pay for long-term care?

Yes, but you must meet very low-income and asset requirements to qualify for Medicaid. Contact our office for more information by calling 803-737-6180.

6. How do I file a complaint?

To file a complaint with the SCDOI's Office of Consumer Services, complete the online Consumer Complaint Form .