Long-term Care Partnership Program Education Sessions

By: State: South Dakota

Most people do not like to think about the fact that they may one day need long-term care services. Yet, each year about seven million Americans receive some type of help with long-term care. Thinking about care choices before you need them, gives you more options and more time to choose what is right for you and your family.

Long-term care includes a wide range of services and can be provided in homes, in the community, assisted living facilities, or nursing homes. Depending on the care needs and living arrangements, long-term care services can be costly.  Most people are also surprised at the costs of long-term care and do not think of having to use their entire life savings to pay for those needs and services. The average private pay rate for a semi-private room in a South Dakota nursing home in 2008 is $143 a day, or over $52,850 per year. The average cost for a day in a South Dakota nursing home has increased annually. The average length of stay is 2.5 years, bringing the cost of an average stay to over $132,000. 

Long-term care insurance can be the answer for many people because nothing else covers long-term care costs; not health insurance, not disability insurance, not even Medicare.  In 2006, South Dakota created an innovative, public-private partnership program offering individuals quality, affordable long-term care insurance as a way to receive needed care without depleting all their assets.   long-term care insurance policies may not be the best option for all South Dakotans and you should think carefully before purchasing one. Buying a long-term care policy should not cause financial hardship and make you forego other financial needs. Each person should carefully examine his or her needs and resources to decide whether long-term care insurance is appropriate. There are many decisions to be made and care choices to discuss with your family and close friends, so others are aware of your care needs.

If you, a family member, friend or co-worker would like to find out more about long-term care, the costs related to it, how to plan for long-term care needs, what Medicare and Medicaid will cover and how the Long-Term Care Partnership Program can help you, now is your chance.  The free education sessions in communities across South Dakota are open to the public. These sessions provide the information you need today so you can prepare and decide what is best for you and your family tomorrow.  Visit  ltcpartnership.sd.gov or call toll free 1-800-597-1603   for additional information and a schedule of upcoming educational sessions in a community near you.

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Other Resources

Long-term Care Partnership Program
Information on the South Dakota Long-term Care Partnership Program.

Long-term Care Partnership Education Sessions
Get a schedule of upcoming education sessions on the South Dakota Long-term Care Partnership program