Benefit Period

This is the length of time benefits will be paid if you receive benefits each and every day equal to your DBA. You can choose from a 2 Year, 3 Year, 5 Year or unlimited benefit period.

If you receive services that cost less than your DBA or you don’t receive services every day, your benefits will last longer than your benefit period.

What benefit period is right for you?

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average length of stay in a nursing home is 2.4 years.⁶ Those who want a basic level of protection or who plan on paying out of pocket for a portion of their long term care needs may wish to consider the 2 year benefit period. The 3 year benefit period corresponds to the average length of stay in a nursing home.

It is important to note that future advances in medical care could mean longer life expectancy and a greater chance of outliving your benefits. For this reason, you may wish to consider the 5 year benefit period or the unlimited benefit period.

What is a maximum lifetime benefit (MLB)?

The maximum lifetime benefit (MLB) is the maximum amount your coverage can pay. To calculate your MLB, multiply your DBA by your benefit period (in days).

Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) benefit periods: 2 years (730 days), 3 years (1,095 days), 5 years (1,825 days), or the unlimited benefit period (no maximum lifetime benefit).

Example: The following is the MLB calculation for an enrollee with a DBA of $150 and a 3 year benefit period:

$150 x 1,095 days = $164,250 maximum lifetime benefit