*Please note: This information is provided for educational purposes only. The availability of each program is determined by that government agency and the individual’s situation. Please consult directly with your insurance company or the government program.

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Senior citizens requiring long-term health care often have trouble getting out of bed, taking a bath without assistance and grooming themselves. They need to be aided by a caregiver for these basic living activities and other activities throughout the day. Once the reality of these needs is faced, then they face the question: how will we face paying for long term care?

We have summarized and provided a brief description of a number of resources that are available to people faced with this question. Each option is varied in terms of requirement, cost and coverage, so we suggest consulting a financial or insurance advisor and referring to the resources below.

Oregon Long-Term Care Insurance

Some people plan for their old age in advance, and acquire Oregon long-term care insurance at a more affordable cost. The health insurance for senior citizens policies is more complex in comparison to the regular insurance policies that most are familiar with, such as home, life and car. When looking into this option, you'll want to make sure you know what physical and medical condition one must be in before your insurance will begin to pay.

For more information go to: www.longtermcare.gov

Oregon Reverse Mortgage

An Oregon reverse mortgage is a relatively recent strategy that some seniors older than age 62 rely on. The program allows homeowners to convert part of the equity in their homes into tax-free cash without having to sell, give up the title, or take on a new monthly mortgage payment. In an Oregon reverse mortgage the payment stream is "reversed." Instead of making monthly payments to a lender, a lender makes payments to the senior, allowing them to remain at home, or move into a long-term care facility.

For more information go to: www.reversemortgage.org

Oregon Medicare Helps with Short-Term Care Costs

Oregon Medicare is a federal health-insurance program that covers most Americans over the age of 65. It helps pay for short-term medical expenses, such as hospitalization, doctor bills, x-rays, radiation, and a variety of other tests and therapies. A co-payment for a part of the expenses is sometimes required. However, Medicare does not pay for non-medical care, such as long-term care and assistance with daily living activities, with the exception of a few situations as outlined below:

Hospitalization:

To qualify for Oregon Medicare, a person must have spent three nights in the hospital and must enter the nursing home within thirty days for rehab on the same condition for which they were hospitalized. If conditions are met, Medicare fully covers the first twenty days of long-term care and partially for up to the next eighty days.

Days	What Medicare Pays	What You Pay
1-20	Full cost	Nothing
21-100	All but a daily copayment	A daily copayment
Beyond 100	Nothing	Full cost

Other Considerations:

Oregon Medicare payments will continue as long as a senior is in a skilled rehabilitation program that is producing results, such as improved health, strength, coordination or flexibility. Once skilled rehabilitation is no longer effective in improving a senior's condition, Medicare will stop paying – even if it's still within 100 days.

Families need to be strong advocates at the hospital for getting a senior into a nursing home if the family is unable to care for them at home.

Oregon Medicaid Helps with Paying for Long-Term Care

If you or a loved one needs to take up residence at a nursing home or long-term care facility, you may qualify for Oregon Medicaid once your assets have been depleted.

For those over the age of 65, Oregon Medicaid helps pay for nursing home costs once the individual has exhausted all, or almost all, of their own means. Oregon Medicaid generally pays for care in a certified-nursing home. Since regulations vary from state to state, check this government site http://www.govbenefits.gov – then select "Medicaid/Medicare" for the rules in your state.

Once a senior citizen qualifies, they will have to pay any remaining monthly income, such as social security or a pension check, to the nursing home. Oregon Medicaid only pays the difference between the senior's remaining income and the nursing home's monthly charge.

Educate yourself further on Oregon state health insurance by contacting an insurance or financial advisor.