Is short term care insurance for my 81 yo alcoholic husband enough to cover expenses because Medicare does not just in case he's going to need some kind of medical care in the future?
Your question could have a number of answers depending on your personal circumstances, so it's likely not a simple yes/no. It's important to note that Medicare has very specific and limited benefits for long-term care. In general, Medicare pays for "medically necessary" rehabilitation after a hospital stay, but it does not cover "custodial" care (basically, ongoing assistance with ADLs).
Does his doctor think that he may require custodial care in the not-too-distant future? If there is a reasonable possibility that he will need long(er) term care, limited benefits could perhaps provide a bridge before using his/your own funds and/or spending down assets for Medicaid eligibility.
I agree with the suggestion to contact your local Office of Aging. You may also need the advice of an elder care attorney or other knowledgeable entity.
Does he not have a supplimental to cover the 20% Medicare does not pay? If he has Medicare Advantage thats Medicare and supplemental rolled into one.
I suggest that you set up an appt with your County Office of Aging. They can help you select an insurance that goes along with DHs needs or future needs.
It looks like short term care covers similar care to LTC, but instead of having a 90 day deductible and then paying out for three (or five or whatever) years worth of care it starts immediately but stops paying out at maybe 360 days worth of coverage.
It might be suitable for someone concerned about an extended rehab stay or who is focused on easing the transition into LTC.
It sounds like it would be useful for someone who might expect to end up on LTC Medicaid, if it allowed them to select a facility and enter directly rather than through a hospital social worker.
Does his doctor think that he may require custodial care in the not-too-distant future? If there is a reasonable possibility that he will need long(er) term care, limited benefits could perhaps provide a bridge before using his/your own funds and/or spending down assets for Medicaid eligibility.
I agree with the suggestion to contact your local Office of Aging. You may also need the advice of an elder care attorney or other knowledgeable entity.
I suggest that you set up an appt with your County Office of Aging. They can help you select an insurance that goes along with DHs needs or future needs.
What does the policy say it will cover?
Do you have Original Medicare and a supplement or Medicare Advantage?
What sort of "Medical Care" are you seeking to cover?
https://www.insurance.com/health-insurance/long-term-care/short-term-care.html
It might be suitable for someone concerned about an extended rehab stay or who is focused on easing the transition into LTC.
It sounds like it would be useful for someone who might expect to end up on LTC Medicaid, if it allowed them to select a facility and enter directly rather than through a hospital social worker.