Which scenario would qualify an individual for receiving benefits from a qualified long-term care policy?

• A. Becoming physically disabled
• B. Becoming cognitively impaired (mentally ill)
• C. Completing a routine medical exam
• D. Reaching age 90

Answer: (B)

Long-term care benefits are triggered when a person is chronically ill and needs assistance with daily care, or has a significant cognitive impairment that requires supervision. Cognitive impairment, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, is a common and important trigger because it indicates a level of care needs that the policy is designed to cover. When someone can’t safely live alone due to cognitive decline, the insurer recognizes the ongoing supervision and assistance required as a qualifying condition for benefits.

Becoming physically disabled by itself isn’t always enough to trigger benefits unless it also prevents the person from performing at least two activities of daily living (ADLs) or there is a documented cognitive impairment. Completing a routine medical exam doesn’t create a need for long-term care, and simply reaching an advanced age doesn’t by itself qualify someone for benefits.