Apparently, I Should Walk Around With A Sandwich Board that says “Medicare Does Not Pay For Long Term Care”

At the very least the extra layer should keep me warm, as it is so cold here in Chicago this week.

All kidding aside, I recently read an article about a recent study the AARP conducted – “The Costs of Long-Term Care:  Public Perceptions Versus Reality in 2006” – where they surveyed 1,456 people ages 45 and up.  They found out that while 60% said they were familiar with long-term services, only 8% even came close to estimating the average monthly cost of a nursing home ($6,266).  Most gave a much lower estimate.  I find this to be accurate in real life when I talk to new families.

People were also found to not know who pays for nursing care or for help with ADL’s like bathing and dressing.  More than ½ incorrectly believe Medicare pays for assisted living and for extended nursing home care. (Yeah, no.)

They offered up a link to “test your knowledge of long-term care” which can be found here at www.aarp.org/longtermcare.

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