The use of nursing home and assisted living facilities among private long-term care insurance claimants: the experience of disabled elders.

Abstract

Little is known about individuals in nursing homes (NHs) and assisted living facilities (ALFs) who receive private long-term care (LTC) insurance benefits. No one knows whether claimants and/or their families feel they are getting good value for their premiums, or whether the presence of private insurance influences the type of care people get. This brief provides descriptive information on disabled private LTC insurance policyholders receiving LTC benefits in these settings, comparing them to institutionalized elders who lack such insurance. The information shows that private LTC insurance benefits are targeted to individuals with significant functional and/or cognitive impairments; that claimants are satisfied with their policies although many report unmet needs; and that private LTC insurance gives claimants access to alternatives to nursing home care.