What is the minimum benefit duration that must be offered by a long-term care policy?

A long-term care policy is required to provide a minimum benefit duration to ensure that policyholders have enough coverage to address their needs over time. In Connecticut, the regulation mandates that long-term care policies must offer a minimum benefit duration of 12 months. This duration is designed to provide sufficient support for individuals who may experience prolonged care requirements due to chronic conditions, disabilities, or other health challenges.

A longer minimum duration could strain the insurance market, while a shorter duration might not be adequate for the needs of individuals requiring long-term care. Thus, the 12-month requirement strikes a balance between providing valuable coverage for policyholders and maintaining a sustainable system for insurers. This standard reflects an understanding of the potential length of care that individuals might need and seeks to protect consumers by ensuring they have access to necessary services for at least a year.