Author: Andrea Miller
Reviewed By: Kristi Bickmann

Long-term care insurance starts paying for assisted living when the policyholder needs help with two or more activities of daily living, such as bathing or grooming. Most long-term care policies have an elimination or waiting period after you file your claim before they begin covering assisted living. 

How long is the elimination period for long-term care insurance?

The elimination period for long-term care insurance is 30, 60 or 90 days. You select the elimination period you want when you purchase your policy. Many long-term care policy providers reduce the premium cost when you select a longer waiting period. A few companies offer elimination periods of up to 180 days. 

Who pays for assisted living during the elimination period?

The policyholder pays for assisted living during the elimination period. Long-term care insurance benefits don’t start until after the waiting period ends. If you have a 60-day elimination period, you’re responsible for 2 months of assisted living care at a median cost of $4,500 per month.

Some policies don’t pay your claim unless you receive the required assisted living services while you’re waiting for coverage to start. After long-term care coverage begins, it continues until you meet your policy’s maximum benefit amount. The insurance company pays for assisted living up to a specified daily limit during the policy period. Usually, you pay the assisted living community directly, and your long-term care policy provider reimburses you for the covered amount.