Long Term Care Certification Practice Test

An insured's daily benefit amount increases annually. Which of the following provisions is part of the insured's policy?

1. Benefit guarantee provision

2. Inflation protection

3. Premium waiver provision

4. Lifetime maximum benefit

The correct answer is: Inflation protection

The provision that allows an insured's daily benefit amount to increase annually is known as inflation protection. This feature is designed to help policyholders keep pace with the rising costs of long-term care services due to inflation. By increasing the benefit amount each year, inflation protection ensures that the policyholder’s benefits retain their purchasing power over time. This is particularly important in long-term care insurance, as the costs for services such as assisted living or nursing home care can rise significantly. Without this provision, the original benefit amount may become inadequate several years down the line when the insured needs to access these services. Inflation protection can take various forms, such as a fixed percentage increase each year or a benefit that adjusts according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), further enhancing the policy's value to the insured as deflationary pressures or rising costs occur.