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Survey finds South Dakotans underestimate
long-term care needs
State to offer free public education sessions
long-term care options
PIERRE, S.D. – A survey conducted by the Department of Social Services found that most South Dakotans underestimate their future risk of needing long-term care. The survey found that only 20 percent of respondents believed they are very likely to need long-term care services in the future. In reality, two out of three South Dakotans will eventually need some type of long-term care.
The survey also found that 40 percent of South Dakotans underestimate the cost of long-term care services. The average cost of nursing home care in South Dakota is more than $50,000 per year, of which Medicare may only pay a small portion.
“It is important to understand your options for long-term care and develop a plan, both for your own benefit and for the sake of your family,” said Deb Bowman, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Social Services. “I strongly urge families to consider a long-term care insurance plan certified by the Long-Term Care Partnership Program, which can offer additional protection for you and your loved ones.”
The Long-Term Care Partnership Program is a public-private partnership that offers individuals quality, affordable long-term care insurance without depleting their assets. The South Dakota Department of Social Services began offering free education sessions on the program in 2007, as a way to raise awareness about long-term care insurance and the benefits for South Dakotans.
The spring 2009 education session schedule includes stops in 10 communities from March through May. Sessions will include basic information on 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. The education sessions are free and open to the public. Each session is scheduled for one hour.
About the Long-Term Care Partnership Program: The Long-Term Care Partnership Program is a public-private partnership offering individuals quality, affordable long-term care insurance. Once private insurance benefits are used, special Medicaid eligibility rules are applied if additional coverage is necessary. The Department will continue to offer community education sessions, educating and informing citizens on the Long-Term Care Partnership Program and the need to plan ahead and prepare for long-term care. To find out when we will be in a community near you, log onto www.ltcpartnership.sd.gov or call 1-800-597-1603 to learn more.