Truth be told, I really had never heard about short term care insurance. I’m a really big advocate for long term care insurance though many clients choose not to purchase it. Generally the reasons offered are price and/or insurability. So an alternate solution for some people who may need care in the future but are unable to buy long-term care insurance is short-term care insurance that will cover nursing home and/or home care for one year or less.
These policies are more popular because long-term care premiums are expensive. This type of insurance is generally cheaper because it covers less time. Purchasers can choose the length of coverage they want, up to one year.
The underwriting and medical qualifications are also less strict. This kind of insurance will sometimes forgo a medical exam and the medical questions on the application are less. Another benefit of short-term care insurance is that there (generally) is not a deductible or co-pay. The policies begin paying immediately, without the waiting period usually found in long term care policies, but this is not universal so the devil is in the detail.
Short-term care policies may not cover all levels of care that a long-term care policy would cover. So you need to make sure you understand what coverage you are purchasing.
Short–term care policies will be beneficial to those individuals who have waited too long to purchase long-term care insurance and for all the traditional reasons clients are denied coverage. I invite you to research this subject.
To discuss your NJ Elder Care matter, please contact Fredrick P. Niemann, Esq. toll-free at (855) 376-5291 or email him at fniemann@hnlawfirm.com. Please ask us about our video conferencing consultations if you are unable to come to our office.
By Fredrick P. Niemann, Esq. of Hanlon Niemann & Wright, a Freehold Township, Monmouth County, NJ Elder Care Attorney