Take Control of Your Health with Personalized Insurance Options

Short Term and Long Term Care

As we age, the likelihood of needing care—whether for a few weeks or for an extended period—increases significantly. Whether you’re recovering from surgery or managing a chronic condition, having a care plan in place can make a world of difference.



Short-term and long-term care insurance are two key tools that can help you maintain independence, reduce financial strain, and make choices that align with your personal values and lifestyle.

What Is the Difference Between Short-Term and Long-Term Care?

While they may sound similar, short-term care and long-term care insurance serve very different purposes when it comes to managing your health and independence as you age. Short-term care is designed to provide temporary assistance—typically lasting up to 12 months—following a hospital stay, surgery, or illness. It helps cover the costs of in-home assistance, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or temporary stays in a facility while you recover.



Long-term care, on the other hand, is intended for more permanent or progressive care needs. It provides extended support for individuals living with chronic conditions, cognitive impairments like Alzheimer’s or dementia, or those who need help with basic daily tasks—such as bathing, dressing, and eating—over an extended period. Long-term care may take place at home, in an assisted living community, or in a nursing home.

From a financial standpoint, Medicare offers only limited help for both types of care. It may cover some skilled nursing or short-term home health services, but it does not cover ongoing custodial care, especially the kind provided over months or years. That’s why both types of insurance exist—to fill in those important coverage gaps. Short-term care offers a bridge during temporary recovery, while long-term care is about preparing for more sustained health needs and protecting your finances and family in the process.

Things to Consider When Choosing Care Coverage

• Do you have family nearby who can help regularly?

• Could you afford private care if insurance didn’t cover it?

• Do you prefer to stay at home as long as possible?

• Do you have a chronic condition or family history of one?

• How long could you go without income or support during recovery?



Short-term care can be seen as “bridge coverage” for acute situations, while long-term care is “lifetime planning” for more serious or permanent decline in function.

Planning Ahead Brings Peace of Mind

Care needs can arise unexpectedly, and decisions often need to be made quickly. By planning ahead with the right coverage in place, you’re giving yourself and your loved ones options, clarity, and confidence in times of uncertainty.