Long-term care insurance typically starts paying benefits after an elimination period, which is a waiting period you must fulfill before coverage begins. This period is often 30, 60, or 90 days, but can range from 0 to 180 days. During this time, you are responsible for covering the costs of your care out-of-pocket.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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This is a deductible measured in time rather than money. It's the period you must wait after becoming eligible for benefits (meeting the criteria of needing care) before the insurance company starts paying.
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While 90 days is often cited as a standard elimination period, many policies offer choices of 30, 60, or 90 days.
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Once you need care (e.g., because of cognitive impairment or inability to perform daily living activities), the clock starts on the elimination period. You pay for care until the end of the elimination period, and then the insurance policy begins to reimburse you for covered services.
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Shorter elimination periods typically mean higher premiums, while longer elimination periods result in lower premiums, according to 7 Day Home Care.
