An HSA is not a product you buy. It’s a savings account run by individuals (not couples). All you need to be able to open an account is cover from an HDHP meeting the current rules. The plan does not have to be in your name so long as you have cover, say, as a spouse. Note you can have other policies to pay some of your health costs for disability, long-term care and specific diseases. But you are ineligible if you have already signed up to Medicare or, as a member of the armed forces, you have Tricare. It’s up to you to check what you are allowed to have. Your employer can set up a savings plan (although you cannot have both an HSA and a general HRA at the same time) or you can go to a bank, credit union, insurance company or one of the other bodies able to act as a trustee or custodian. A minimum deposit is usually required. You don’t have to be employed to run an HSA although, if you don’t file for Federal taxes, you cannot get the tax relief.

Put simply, this is a reasonable flexible and tax-efficient way of providing health insurance for yourself. But it has one key advantage. Although you cannot borrow against the money saved, you can make a one-time transfer from an IRA into an HSA, and the money from the account passes like a cash inheritance when you die. So unlike the usual health insurance premiums which are “lost”, savings remain savings. The big question everyone who is eligible must ask is whether they want to self-insure. Obviously, if the savings are inadequate, the HDHP will potentially pay out. That policy is safety net but the coverage is limited. So you have to judge which works better for your family’s circumstances. If you feel confident that there will always be enough available to pay for treatment during your life, this is tax free savings with you in control of the investment. But if you don’t want to take the risk, a comprehensive health plan for the family may give you better peace of mind.

Continuing care retirement communities

There are such organizations as Continuing Care Retirement Communities. They offer you housing, meals, social activities, and health care ranging from minimal personal assistance to skilled nursing care. If your health state is good these communities are perfect for you, but if you aren’t proud of your health state – you might want to try another option. But we must warn you to be wise about any deal you are planning to submit to. Make sure you read your contract good before you sign it. Be aware of the requirements. You should know what you pay for.

In-home Care

In-home care is convenient and perfect for those who need some health-care assistance but prefer to remain home all the time. It is an alternative to nursing homes and other institutions. In-home care includes – health care, household help and personal care services. You can receive these services by hiring a private care assistant or by contacting a home health care agency in your area.

Nursing homes

Nursing homes are like the final destination. It is for those people who are not able to take care of themselves at all. Unfortunately it happens. Let’s see the list of services nursing homes provide to their patients:

• Nursing care, which is provided by registered nurses or professional therapists
• Intermediate care or nursing and rehabilitative help provided as you need it by qualified medical personnel under the main doctor’s supervision.
• Custodial care or assistance with personal needs such as bathing, eating, or dressing.

Before you chose your only option of the nursing home, please consider a few things. If you need some medical assistance – try to research on the level of assistance this nursing home is able to provide. Match it with the level of care you need and make up your mind. Your nursing home should really be a HOME for you. It needs to be clean and well kept. The staff should be caring and attentive. It is also extremely important.

Payment issues

Nursing homes usually charge a fixed daily rate so you should not be confused about the price. If you feel like you are charged something you should not be charged – please don’t hesitate to ask for a written form of the services you will be provided and their costs. Normally, nursing houses are affordable. But it is always better to be covered. If you are a lucky owner of a medical insurance – then your troubles with health can be solved by means of the health care deal. Health insurance is the key to a “happy today” without being scared of tomorrow.