Assisted Living is a type of residential facility for people who need help with daily tasks (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, and medication management, but do not require intensive medical care. Long-Term Care refers to broader care services, including personal and medical care, in settings like home health, nursing facilities, or assisted living—essentially covering more situations and levels of need.

Yes—many LTC insurance policies do cover assisted living expenses, but it depends on the policy. Coverage may include rent, personal care, some medical care, or support services in that facility. It’s important to verify whether assisted living is an included setting under your LTC policy.

Assisted Living typically covers assistance with ADLs (e.g. bathing, dressing, eating), help with medication, housekeeping, meals, and some supervision. LTC coverage may also include skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, memory care, and home health services, in addition to the basic supports assisted living offers.

Generally, assisted living is less expensive than full skilled nursing or facility-based LTC care, because the medical intensity is lower. However, costs for assisted living can still be quite high, especially over time, and depend heavily on location, level of need, facility amenities, and whether the LTC policy has daily or monthly benefit limits.

Assisted living eligibility is usually based on needing help with daily living tasks, but not full medical or nursing care. LTC insurance policies often require proof of functional impairment (e.g. unable to perform a number of ADLs) or cognitive impairment. Some LTC policies also have elimination (waiting) periods before benefits start.

Yes. Assisted living is less medical than a nursing facility which is intended for higher levels of medical care or skilled nursing. Assisted living focuses more on support, supervision, and comfort rather than medical procedures or continuous nursing care.

Check whether “assisted living facility” is defined as a permitted setting; the daily/monthly benefit cap; whether there are facility-type restrictions; whether there’s a waiting/elimination period; how inflation protection is handled; whether memory care is included; and any exclusions or limitations.

Costs for assisted living and LTC vary widely by state, metro area, and even facility. Premiums for LTC policies also depend on where you live because cost of care assumptions differ. In high cost-of-living areas, both assisted living and LTC insurance are more expensive.

Hybrid policies combine LTC benefits with life insurance or annuity features. They may offer death benefits if LTC is not used, or guarantee premium stability. These can provide flexibility and help ensure value even if you never need full LTC care.

The earlier the better—often while still in moderate health. Premiums rise with age and health conditions. If you wait until care needs increase, you may face higher cost, limited policy acceptance, or restrictions on coverage for assisted living.