Getting out, military health issues - Air Force Times

Long-term care insurance

Active-duty and retired service members, federal employees and retirees may purchase long-term care insurance for themselves and their families through the Office of Personnel Management’s Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program. The government does not share program costs, but because the insurance is offered at group rates, officials say premiums are, on average, 20 percent lower than the cost of coverage under other comparable programs. However, some people have been able to buy plans through commercial carriers at lower prices.

The program covers expenses associated with long-term care delivered in or outside the home, at adult day-care centers, assisted-living facilities or nursing homes. Long-term care is not covered by many medical insurance plans, including Medicare and Tricare.

Federal employees can purchase the insurance for themselves, spouses, children and parents. Federal retirees can enroll only themselves and spouses.

The program does not have regular open-enrollment seasons. However, certain categories of people are eligible to apply at any time. Applicants must answer health-related questions and may need to provide medical records or be interviewed.

Premiums are based on the enrollee’s age when coverage is purchased.

Contact: www.opm.gov/insure/ltc.