As people in the United States continue to live longer, they may experience serious illness and disability. In some cases, illness or incapacity prevents them from taking medications, cooking meals, shopping for groceries, or doing other things that most healthy people take for granted.

Long-term care is nursing and other services provided in the person's home, or in a facility such as a nursing home or an adult day care center. This type of long-term care can be very costly. Long-term care insurance is one way of helping to pay for this care.

There are several kinds of long-term care insurance policies. Some pay for any type of care, while others pay only when a certain level of care is needed. It is important to shop carefully if you choose to buy long-term health insurance. Discuss your options with your family and your health care provider. Some senior organizations and hospitals may also have information available. Each state has a Department of Insurance that is responsible for licensing insurance companies. They may be able to answer any questions about the company you are considering.

When considering a policy, here are some important questions to ask:

• What types of care are covered and in what settings?
• What are the daily and maximum benefit amounts of the policy?
• What disabilities or illnesses are covered?
• Is there a waiting period for coverage, or for coverage of pre-existing conditions?
• Will the premiums increase in the future, and is there protection against inflation?
• Are certain illnesses, such as mental or nervous conditions, Alzheimer's Disease or other chronic conditions covered in the policy?

Before agreeing to purchase any insurance policy, here are a few things you can do to make sure you are satisfied.

• Talk to representatives from several companies, compare prices and benefits.
• Read all materials before signing any documents.
• Answer all questions truthfully and never sign a blank insurance application.

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