Our long-term care needs often burden family members financially and create demands on their time. That is particularly true if a family member has to leave his or her job to provide care. Understanding possible financing arrangements for long-term care is part of good planning that will reduce the stress of having to make critical decisions suddenly that could adversely affect you and your loved ones.

While Medicare Supplemental Insurance helps pay for gaps in Medicare coverage, such as deductibles, co-insurances and limited, skilled nursing care you must be aware of the ground rules when it comes to nursing home coverage. Medicare insurance does not cover long-term care.