When an elderly loved one is having difficulty with day-to-day tasks, it may be time to consider home health care. The extra assistance can be costly, however, so it is important to understand whether your insurance will cover the service. To get you started, Deer Valley Home Health Services, serving both St. Louis and St. Charles, MO, has shared their knowledge on home health care and insurance coverage.

Here’s what you need to know about home health care and insurance:

• Medical Health Insurance: Traditional health insurance plans cover very few home health care costs, if any at all. Both disability policies and most private insurances will not cover assisted living, while Medicare may reimburse you in specific situations. If your doctor certifies you are homebound, for instance, you may be eligible for coverage. 

• Long-Term Care Insurance: Separate from traditional insurance policies, a long-term one covers the cost of a caregiver. This is a privately paid insurance plan that will take care of in-home, community, or nursing home needs. Each benefits period lasts from three to five years. After you sign up, there may be a waiting period between 30 and 120 days before funds are accessible, so plan accordingly.

• Life Insurance: Some life insurance policies pay for senior home health care. The money received is subtracted from the amount beneficiaries receive upon death, so use it wisely. This is called “accelerated death benefits.” Another option is to sell the life insurance policy for cash to use for home health care expenses.

If you are in need of a home health care agency, turn to Deer Valley Home Health Services. Their team of passionate caregivers will ensure all your needs are met. For more information, visit their website or call (314) 355-3679 today.