*Please note: This information is provided for educational purposes only. The availability of each program is determined by that government agency and the individual’s situation. Please consult directly with your insurance company or the government program.

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The problem most seniors have with long-term care is the cost of it. While they realize it's necessary once the time comes, they cannot think of a way to pay for it. If this is a problem you are having as a senior or loved one considering a long-term nursing home, the below information and resources could help you understand some of the different processes in Washington.

Below we have offered a brief explanation of some of the resources that people who are confronted with this same question use. Since each option is different and the requirements and consequences are often somewhat complicated, we suggest you consult a financial or insurance advisor in supplement to the resources below.

Washington Long-Term Care Insurance

People will often plan in advance and buy long-term care coverage before it becomes too expensive. The long-term care coverage policies are more complicated than the more common types, such as vehicle, life and homeowners insurance. When researching health insurance for senior citizens, you'll want to make sure you know what physical and medical condition someone need to be in before insurance will cover your care.

For more information go to: www.longtermcare.gov

Washington Reverse Mortgage

A Washington reverse mortgage is a relatively new plan that some seniors over the age of 62 rely on. The strategy means seniors are able to convert part of the equity in their homes into tax-free cash without having to sell, give up their title, or take on a new monthly mortgage payment. In a Washington reverse mortgage the payment stream is "reversed." Instead of making monthly payments to a lender, a lender makes payments to the senior, allowing them to remain in their home as long as they live, or move into a long-term care facility.

For further information go to: http://www.reversemortgage.org

Washington Medicare Helps with Short-Term Care Costs

Medicare is a federal health-insurance program that covers most Americans over the age of 65. It helps pay for short-term medical expenses, such as hospitalization, doctor bills, x-rays, radiation, and a variety of other tests and therapies. A co-payment for a part of the expenses may be required. However, Medicare does not pay for nonmedical care, such as long-term care and assistance with daily living activities, expect for a few instances as summarized below:

Hospitalization:

To qualify for Washington Medicare, one must have spent three nights in the hospital and must enter the nursing home within thirty days for rehab for the same condition that was treated in the hospital.

If conditions are met, Medicare fully covers the first twenty days of long-term care and partially covers up to the next eighty days.

Days	What Medicare Pays	What You Pay
1-20	Full cost	Nothing
21-100	All but a daily copayment	A daily copayment
Beyond 100	Nothing	Full cost

Other Considerations:

Washington Medicare payments will continue as long as a senior is in a skilled rehabilitation program that is producing results, such as improved health, strength, coordination and flexibility. Once skilled rehabilitation is no longer effective in improving a senior's condition, Medicare will stop paying - even if it's still within 100 days.

Families need to be strong advocates at the hospital for getting a senior into a nursing home if the family is unable to care for them at home.

Washington Medicaid Helps with Paying for Long-Term Care

If a senior requires residence at a nursing home or long-term care facility, they may qualify for Washington Medicaid once their assets have been depleted.

For those over the age of 65, Washington Medicaid helps pay for nursing home costs once a senior has exhausted all, or almost all, of their own means. Washington Medicaid generally pays for care in a certified nursing home. Since regulations vary from state to state, check this government site then select "Medicaid/Medicare" for the rules in your state.

Once a senior citizen qualifies for Medicaid benefits, they will have to pay any remaining monthly income, such as social security or pension checks, to the nursing home. Washington Medicaid only pays the difference between the senior's remaining income and the nursing home's monthly charge.

Find out more about Washington health insurance by contacting an insurance or financial advisor.