West Virginia
Relatively low cases of infectious diseases mean that West Virginia has optimal conditions for skilled nursing care. The state also has high public health spending compared to others.
One of the factors behind the increased public health spending is the state’s rising cases of obesity. An estimated 490,000 West Virginia residents were reported as obese in 2013. The state also has a physical inactivity rate of approximately 31% – the second highest in the country. A combination of these two factors can lead to heart ailments.
Aside from severe diseases, disability and aging also necessitate long term care. West Virginia has the highest incidence of disability in the country. It is also one of the states with the largest population of senior citizens.
AARP, or the American Association of Retired Persons, says that there will be fewer caregivers who will support the country’s aging population in the years to come. Among states, West Virginia will have the fourth-lowest ratio of middle-aged caregivers per senior care dependent in 2030. Middle-aged individuals provide care more actively than young adults, according to AARP.
Cost of Care
Below are the average daily cost* of long term care services in West Virginia.
| City | Nursing Facility1 | Assisted Living1 | Adult Day Care2 | Home Health Aide3 |
| Charleston | $252 | $134 | $75 | $126 |
| Parkersburg | $212 | $118 | N/A | N/A |
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
West Virginia has yet to comply with recommendations regarding long term care insurance from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, or NAIC.
The Partnership program for LTCI was enacted in West Virginia on July 1, 2010. John Hancock started its Partnership program in the state on August 19, 2013. LTCI products that are offered by the insurer include Leading Edge, Essential Care II, and Custom Care III. Genworth began marketing its Partnership LTCI policies to West Virginia residents on November 11, 2013. The number code for its standard version of the Partnership point of sale form in the state is 40521.
On December 5, 2013, MedAmerica expanded its options for inflation protection and waiting period of the FlexCare® LTCI product. West Virginia is one of the states that has this feature. The 2X Maximum option is available for 3% Simple, 5% Simple, and 3% Compound inflation protection. Prospective clients are reminded that its waiting period for 20 calendar days is considered for individual business only.
Keep in mind that LTCI policy exchange does not apply to West Virginia yet.
State Long Term Care Programs
Adults with minimal earnings can now benefit from Medicaid’s wider coverage. This initiative began on January 1, 2014. On the same date, changes in this federal program’s eligibility system through the modified adjusted gross income – or MAGI – took effect.
In West Virginia, both the Medicaid and Medicare programs certify the operation of more than 120 skilled nursing care facilities. As mentioned earlier, the state is ideal for receiving skilled care services.
The Long Term Care Partnership in West Virginia is now formally called the West Virginia Partnership for Elder Living. This project was formed when West Virginia Community Voices, Inc. collaborated with the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation in 2009. The West Virginia Partnership for Elder Living conducts research and funding to improve the quality of life for the state’s elder LTC recipients.
More Resources
To get more specific information regarding long term care services and insurance options in West Virginia, please check the following websites:
West Virginia Health Care Association
Its website’s Consumers section has info and resources about nursing facilities, assisted living, and other LTC topics.
West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services
Helps elderly state residents in finding services and programs that fulfill their needs.
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