Long Term Care Certification Practice Test

How does medical insurance differ from long-term care insurance?

1. Medical insurance is meant to cover preventive services while long-term care insurance is for critical care

2. Medical insurance is meant to treat and cure an illness while long-term care insurance is for maintaining a functional level of living

3. Medical insurance only covers hospitalization while long-term care insurance covers all medical expenses

4. Medical insurance is available to anyone while long-term care insurance has strict eligibility criteria

The correct answer is: Medical insurance is meant to treat and cure an illness while long-term care insurance is for maintaining a functional level of living

The distinction between medical insurance and long-term care insurance is best highlighted by the objective of each type of coverage. Medical insurance primarily aims to treat or cure illnesses and injuries, focusing on interventions that address specific health issues. This can include doctor visits, surgeries, and medication—services that are typically short-term and aimed at restoring health to a functional state. In contrast, long-term care insurance is designed to support individuals who need assistance due to functional impairments, such as difficulty with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, or eating. This insurance covers services that help maintain quality of life rather than restore health, as it provides for long-term care needs that may not be directly related to medical conditions but are related to assistance with daily living activities. This fundamental difference clarifies that medical insurance is reactive, responding to acute health needs, while long-term care insurance is proactive, addressing ongoing care and support for chronic conditions or functional limitations over an extended period.