The prospect of needing long term care may be far from your mind today, but circumstances can change. With people living longer, the chances of you or an aging relative requiring this type of care increases, which may bring added responsibility for you and your family. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a long-range care plan in place.

Long term care is personal care and other related services provided on an extended basis to people who need help with specific everyday activities (called activities of daily living) or who need supervision due to a severe cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease. The need for long term care can strike at any time in life due to chronic illness, injury, disability, or the aging process. What’s more, long term care can be expensive, and is generally not covered by traditional health insurance plans or Medicare.

As part of your federal benefits, you and your qualified relatives are eligible to apply for long term care insurance coverage under the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). Even if you don’t apply, consider how a spouse, parent, or other family member may benefit from this important coverage.

Coverage under the FLTCIP

The FLTCIP is designed to reimburse for qualified long term care services and can lessen or eliminate an individual’s reliance on a loved one to provide hands-on care. As you assess the FLTCIP’s value, consider these important benefits:

  • The FLTCIP offers coverage in a variety of settings - at home or in a facility, such as an assisted living facility, an adult daycare, or a nursing center - and your choice of caregiver.
  • If home care if your preference, the stay-at-home benefits includes a range of services that support care in your home, helping you maintain your quality of life in familiar surroundings.
  • Informal care provided by friends and family members, as long as they do not live in your home at the time you become eligible for benefits. (Note: Benefits for care provided by family members is limited to 500 days.)
  • The program’s care coordination services offer enrollees and their qualified relative information about long term care resources, such as local care providers and relevant community programs.

Talk candidly with your family members and tell them about the FLTCIP. Starting the conversation prior to needing care can help you prepare for the unexpected. Visit LTCFEDS.com/protectmyfamily to learn more about the benefits of applying for the FLTCIP.

For personalized assistance, call 1-800-LTC-FEDS (1-800-582-3337) TTY 1-800-843-3557 to speak with a program consultant. They are available to answer any questions you may have and can walk you step-by-step through the plan design and application process.