If premiums are too low or benefits too generous, the company may not be in business when you need it. Look for companies that haven't increased rates in the last 10 years, and for a high claims payout percentage versus the claims filed. Determine if benefit enhancements are made to existing clients and not just new ones. You want good service, not lost claims or slow claim handling. The policy should cover all levels of care that the doctor orders in any state-licensed facility.
Some policies cover adult day care, nursing homes, assisted living and home health care.
You might want home care if someone lives with you. If you live alone, however, having someone come in a few hours a day or a few times a week may not be enough care. Some policies have a care manager who works with the family and doctor to determine how to provide the care needed. By law, no company can require a prior hospital stay in order to qualify for benefits. Nevertheless, a company might write this into a policy.