What is the difference between long-term care insurance and health insurance?

Long-term care insurance and health insurance are two different types of insurance policies that can help individuals cover certain types of expenses. Health insurance is designed to cover medical expenses such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. Long-term care insurance, on the other hand, is designed to cover expenses associated with long-term care, such as skilled nursing services, home health care visits, and assisted living facilities. The primary difference between long-term care insurance and health insurance is that health insurance plans are designed to cover medical expenses resulting from an illness or injury and are typically paid for by the policyholder or their employer. Long-term care insurance, on the other hand, is designed to cover expenses associated with long-term care, which are incurred whenever an individual needs help with basic activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, dressing, and toileting. Long-term care policies are typically purchased by the policyholder and can be paid for with cash, a retirement account, or a life insurance policy. In South Carolina, the Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Aging and Disability Resource Center provides a variety of services for seniors, including long-term care insurance. In addition, the South Carolina Medicaid Program provides services and support to individuals who need help with activities of daily living, and assistance in covering the costs of long-term care services, such as skilled nursing, home health care, and assisted living.

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