North Dakota

In 2013, North Dakota made it to the top ten healthiest states in America’s Health Rankings. At 9th place, the state scored exceptionally in minimizing health disparity based on educational attainment. North Dakota also got 3rd place for air quality, partly due to its population distribution.

However, North Dakota residents still face cases of obesity and binge drinking among adults. Estimates put that approximately 120,000 adults are physically inactive. With a sedentary lifestyle, they might develop some health complications such as hypertension.

AARP, formerly called the American Association of Retired Persons, points out that North Dakota had the largest population of seniors 85 years of age and above in 2007. The organization calculates that the state will maintain this distinction into 2030 through a 34% population growth.

 

Cost of Care

Below are the average daily cost* of long-term care services in North Dakota.

City Nursing Facility1 Assisted Living1 Adult Day Care2 Home Health Aide3
Bismarck $326 $89 $68 $132
Fargo $270 $78 $71 $132

Notes:

*Costs are rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
1Daily average for a private room.
2Based on five days of care per week.
3Based on six hours of care per day, five days per week.

 

Insurance Options

In North Dakota, Mutual of Omaha implemented changes to the rates of its Mutual Care Plus and United LTCi Solutions products under the category ‘new business’ on March 1, 2012. In July 2013, Genworth announced the updates in the Guaranty Association Notices to its LTCI clients.

State residents also saw modified discounts for preferred health and spouses in MedAmerica’s FlexCare LTCI product on October 12, 2013. MedAmerica also ceased in allowing FlexCare policyholders to pay premiums using their credit cards.

The state’s Long-Term Care Partnership Program took effect on Jan 1, 2007. Citizens who desire LTC coverage can buy Partnership-certified policies from Allianz Life, American General Life, Genworth, John Hancock, MedAmerica, Northwestern, and State Farm. Country Life, Massachusetts Mutual, New York Life, Transamerica, UNUM, and Washington National also offer LTCI coverage.

 

State Long-Term Care Programs

Medicare helps LTC recipients in paying skilled care and other services. People with inquiries about this government program may approach counselors from the State Health Insurance Counseling Program. These counselors, who underwent training, can also clarify issues about Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans.

The Low-Income Subsidy program supports eligible residents in minimizing expenses for Medicare premiums and prescribed drugs. Single persons can qualify if their assets’ value does not exceed $13,300. For couples, the asset limit equals $26,580.

North Dakota has more than 60,000 Medicaid beneficiaries. The state also took steps for accommodating more residents, who may need long-term care, into Medicaid coverage. Adults 65 years of age and below who have a household income that meets 138% of the Federal Poverty Level can join the expanded program.

Caregivers of dementia patients, mostly family members, can find assistance in the Dementia Care Services Program financed by North Dakota’s state government. The program even reduced unnecessary hospitalizations of dementia patients.

 

More Resources

To get more specific information regarding long-term care services and insurance options in North Dakota, please check the following websites:

Department of Health

Helps in locating skilled nursing facilities and offers rural health resources.

North Dakota Long-Term Care Association

Provides resource links and a list of long-term care facilities.

 

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