Navigating Long-Term Care in Nevada

Nevada participates in the federal/state long-term care partnership program, offering those with a qualified LTC Insurance policy dollar-for-dollar asset protection. Quality care options are available statewide, and several insurance solutions are available.

There are a variety of quality care options available throughout Nevada. However, long-term health care costs are rising, especially in rural desert areas. These rapidly increasing costs for care services throughout the state are becoming burdensome on residents and their families for those who do not have Long-Term Care Insurance.

The variety of quality care options available throughout Nevada for those who require long-term health care services include:

• adult day care centers
• assisted living facilities
• continuing care retirement communities
• home health care providers
• memory care facilities
• rehabilitation facilities
• traditional nursing homes

Top insurance companies have several insurance options to help residents safeguard income and assets, protect lifestyles, and preserve a legacy. Plus, policyholders will have access to quality care options giving loved ones the time to be family instead of caregivers.

Plus, all tax-qualified Long-Term Care Insurance policies in Nevada have several consumer protections in addition to federal tax benefits.

Federal Partnership Program

The State of Nevada participates in the federal/state long-term care partnership program. Federal law gives authority to the states to establish these partnership programs to help people protect their assets from the high costs of long-term care. The federal Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005 set standards and gave states the ability to approve these plans.

The Nevada Long-Term Care Partnership Program is designed to encourage individuals to purchase long-term care insurance by allowing Medicaid to disregard some or all of their assets for eligibility purposes. However, individuals who do not have partnership-certified Long-Term Care Insurance will not qualify for the program.

Policy Example

It works very simply. if your qualified long-term care partnership policy paid $300,000 in benefits the state would “disregard” that amount from your estate in qualification for Medicaid long-term care benefits. Generally, Medicaid requires a spend-down of assets, a Nevada Partnership Long-Term Care policy provides dollar-for-dollar asset protection so a consumer can keep a portion of their estate based on the value of the benefits paid out and still access Medicaid.  The Partnership Program also protects those assets after death from Medicaid estate recovery.

Reciprocity

Most states have reciprocity with other states' long-term-care partnership programs including Nevada.  This means if you move from or to Nevada your partnership asset protection follows you as well.

Medicaid

Long-Term Care Medicaid spend down is $2,000. A spouse’s minimum asset allowance is $26,076. Your spouse’s minimum monthly income allowance is $2,155. * The Home equity limit is $603,000

For more information about the Medicaid program visit www.medicaid.gov.

Products Approved in Nevada

A variety of products are approved in Nevada for Long-Term Care planning. These include traditional plans, including partnership certified policies, short-duration policies, and asset-based “hybrid” plans.

Tax Incentives

There are no state tax incentives available in Nevada at this time. Federal tax incentives are available.

Reverse Mortgages in Nevada

Reverse mortgages are available in Nevada. A reverse mortgage is a home equity loan where the borrower does not have to make payments.

This type of mortgage can increase monthly income, eliminate mortgage payments, and even fund Long-Term Care Insurance. However, Nevada has many rules on these products, and you should seek the help of a qualified and licensed mortgage broker. 

If you have significant equity in your home and you and your spouse are at least 62 years old, you can get a reverse mortgage to turn your equity into funding long-term health care, pay for an LTC Insurance policy, pay bills and add to your retirement lifestyle.

The home must be the principal residence without any tax liens. 

Learn more about reverse mortgages by clicking here.

_{*The federal government sets a new minimum and maximum amounts each year, but states can set their own minimum requirements at any level between the federal limits. This information is based on the best available sources.}