How many Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) must be impaired for an individual to often qualify for long-term care benefits in a tax-qualified policy?

To qualify for long-term care benefits in a tax-qualified policy, an individual typically must have two or more Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) impaired. The six ADLs generally recognized are bathing, dressing, eating, transferring (moving from one place to another), toileting, and continence. When two or more of these activities are significantly impaired, it usually indicates a level of care needed that aligns with the requirements for benefits under tax-qualified long-term care insurance policies.

The reason two is the standard threshold relates to the assessment of an individual's capabilities and needs. Insurance providers recognize that needing assistance with two or more ADLs signifies a more substantial level of dependence, which justifies the need for long-term care coverage. This standard not only reflects a practical measure of the need for assistance but also aligns with the broader recognition of care needs within healthcare policies and standards.