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LTC Insurance and Travel

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.

Comments

  • M1
    M1 Member Posts: 6,788
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    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
    paperrockscissors Member Posts: 6
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    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
    Quilting brings calm Member Posts: 2,564
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    edited September 4

    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
    paperrockscissors Member Posts: 6
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    I hear ya quilting. I think "that ship has sailed," an unfortunate saying under the circumstances.

  • Iris L.
    Iris L. Member Posts: 4,485
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    Is she talking about "going home"? Most PWDs say that.

    Iris

  • paperrockscissors
    paperrockscissors Member Posts: 6
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    Iris, nope, she’s not that far along.

  • H1235
    H1235 Member Posts: 630
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    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
    paperrockscissors Member Posts: 6
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    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
    jfkoc Member Posts: 3,942
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    you will need to refer to the wording in the policy…

  • paperrockscissors
    paperrockscissors Member Posts: 6
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    The policy is silent on it. My parents' policies were too.

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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