State creates long-term care insurance office

Delaware’s Department of Insurance has created an Office of Long-Term Care Insurance to offer assistance in long-term care insurance matters.

“Long-term care insurance is an increasingly confusing and complex form of coverage,” said Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro in a press release. “Much like we have dedicated teams for assisting consumers with home and auto insurance, health coverage, and Medicare, increasing contact from residents has shown us the necessity of highlighting the long-term care insurance support we can provide to Delawareans.”

Long-term care insurance helps with covering costly but critical expenses relating to nursing home care, home care, respite care, hospice care or adult day care. These policies usually pay a fixed amount per day or per visit to facilities or to caregivers that are licensed by the state and/or participate in Medicaid and Medicare. Long-term care services are generally not otherwise covered by Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance or other health insurance coverage.

Officials said long-term care insurance is complex and offers many options such as offering reduced benefit options as alternatives to premium increases. The Office of Long-Term Care Insurance Assistance can help explain these options, officials said.

The office will assist consumers in identifying services and care covered by different plans, identifying waiting periods and total costs, explaining and verifying premium increases, and confirming the licensing of the insurer, officials said.