LTC Insurance and Travel

paperrockscissors

My LO has an LTC claim started (not yet approved) and is likely eligible for benefits, but she is still eager to take trips. Does anyone know whether, typically, an LTC company might pay home healthcare benefits while the patient is still taking pleasure trips with a close companion to monitor them? Or do the LTC companies generally feel that you can’t have it both ways, needing home healthcare covered while also being able to travel with a companion (during which time they obviously wouldn’t need to pay home caregivers)?

I’ll appreciate hearing about any experience anyone might have with this, understanding that it might be different depending on the policy, company, and individual.

M1

Interesting question, no experience to contribute. I would bet they'll deny on that basis though. Well enough to travel, not sick enough to warrant.

paperrockscissors

Thanks. The nuance in my mind is that she can perform all ADLs. The claim is based on cognitive status. I do think she would need two companions in case something happen to one, she herself wouldn’t be in charge. Personally I think she needs to let go of this dream, and I’m wondering if the insurance will help make the case.

Quilting brings calm

Would the insurance company monitor how often a home health worker actually came to the house- beyond saying they would only pay for x hours a week? By that I mean - how would they know she was gone Fri-Mon on a trip?
Truthfully though most LTC policies are only going to stay paying if she needs help with at least two ADLs. Not IADLs. If she needs help with two or more ADLs, a trip is going to be hell for both her and her companion. Same if the LTC covers cognitive function instead of ADLs. The only trips I would be taking someone on at that point would be necessary ones or those involving very close relatives

She can dream if she wants, but that dream should not become reality. It probably won’t become one if no one does the travel arrangements for her.

paperrockscissors

I hear ya quilting. I think "that ship has sailed," an unfortunate saying under the circumstances.

Iris L.

Is she talking about "going home"? Most PWDs say that.

Iris

paperrockscissors

Iris, nope, she’s not that far along.

H1235

My mom thinks she can do things she did 20 years ago. She is stage 4-5. Her thinking is not logical. Since she can push her walker there is no reason she shouldn’t be able to push the lawn mower. She doesn’t understand her limitations (anosognosia). I suspect that is what is happening with your LO. I would also add that travel and unfamiliar surroundings may cause symptoms to worsen (even if temporary ). I know it’s a lie and some people have a very hard time with that, but I would just tell her trips are not allowed. Then the insurance company takes the blame and your mom stays safe. Good luck

paperrockscissors

Thenks. This is very much the situation. I appreciate the reminder about confusion being worse while traveling. I have no problem with “therapeutic lying.” Maybe we should call it “realistic therapeutic resilience.” I think that’s a good direction to take.

jfkoc

you will need to refer to the wording in the policy…

paperrockscissors

The policy is silent on it. My parents' policies were too.