Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Insurance
Compare Plans, Costs & Coverage Options
For more than 30 years, ACACIA Insurance has helped Pennsylvania residents plan for their long-term care needs. As fully independent advisors, we compare highly rated insurance companies and policy types so you receive personalized and unbiased recommendations.
We review benefits, features, and pricing to help you choose the long-term care insurance plan that fits your goals and your budget.
Get Personalized QuotesWe Compare Quotes from Top-Rated Insurance Companies
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Do I Need Long-Term Care Insurance in Pennsylvania?
- Types of Long-Term Care Insurance in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Partnership Program
- Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Insurance Companies
- Average cost of Long-Term Care Insurance in Pennsylvania
- FAQs About Long-Term Care Insurance in Pennsylvania
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Do I Need LTC Insurance in Pennsylvania?
Many Pennsylvania residents are surprised by how common long-term care needs become later in life and how quickly the costs can grow. Care often begins unexpectedly, and prices vary across the state in cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown. Knowing your personal risk and the typical cost of care in your area can help you decide if long-term care insurance is a practical way to protect your savings and your family.
Pennsylvania residents face the same long-term care risks as the rest of the country. Nearly 70% of people turning 65 today will need some form of long-term care in the future, with an average duration of about three years.1
For Pennsylvania families, this means planning ahead is essential. While one-third of people may never need long-term care, 20% will need it for longer than 5 years. On average, women need 3.7 years of care while men need 2.2 years.2
In 2026, three years in a private nursing home at Pennsylvania’s statewide average would cost about $446,808, or $148,936 per year. By 2046, that annual cost is projected to reach $326,338.3
Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Costs – 2026 (annual) |
|||
| Nursing Home (private room) |
Assisted Living (private room) |
Home Care (44 hours/week) |
|
| State Average | $148,936 | $72,249 | $76,894 |
| Region | Nursing Home | Assisted Living | Home Care |
| Allentown Area | $168,137 | $67,325 | $74,345 |
| Altoona | $143,034 | $69,843 | $76,864 |
| Chambersburg | $152,491 | $73,966 | $70,989 |
| Erie | $141,794 | $86,382 | $71,233 |
| Gettysburg | $162,237 | $49,940 | $73,056 |
| Harrisburg Area | $142,451 | $87,147 | $75,467 |
| Johnstown | $125,876 | $56,245 | $59,034 |
| Lancaster | $185,607 | $82,370 | $76,078 |
| Lebanon | $169,370 | $72,934 | $71,047 |
| Philadelphia Area | $176,799 | $96,699 | $79,572 |
| Pittsburgh | $139,882 | $78,932 | $78,659 |
| Reading | $165,074 | $73,026 | $69,435 |
| Scranton Area | $147,751 | $52,019 | $76,583 |
| State College | $152,965 | $77,212 | $73,962 |
| Williamsport | $137,078 | $58,472 | $74,592 |
| York Area | $169,363 | $75,649 | $74,854 |
| Rest of State | $112,433 | $60,351 | $58,175 |
Source: Nationwide Financial annual cost of care survey conducted by HVS, site accessed 8/18/2026
About Medicare and Long-Term Care
Medicare 
generally does not cover ongoing long-term or custodial care. Medicare Part A may cover short-term skilled nursing facility care for up to 100 days per benefit period when specific eligibility requirements are met. It does not generally pay for ongoing help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, or toileting. Learn more about Medicare and custodial care.
When To Buy Long-Term Care Insurance
The optimal age to purchase long-term care insurance is typically between your mid-50s and early 60s. During this period, premiums are more affordable, and you’re more likely to be in good health and qualify for coverage. Delaying can lead to higher premiums or challenges in qualifying due to health concerns.
However, purchasing too early means paying premiums for many years before you’re likely to need benefits, which may not be cost-effective. The right time depends on your health, financial situation, and risk tolerance.
A balanced approach is to start exploring options in your 50s when you may be able to lock in better rates with preferred health discounts. Consulting with a long-term care insurance specialist can help determine the best timing based on your individual circumstances and goals.
Find Out If You QualifyTypes of Long-Term Care Insurance in Pennsylvania
Choosing the right long-term care insurance in Pennsylvania starts with understanding the different types of policies available. Each option offers unique benefits, underwriting requirements, and pricing. Below is an overview of the four main types of long-term care coverage Pennsylvanians use to plan for future care needs.
Traditional Long-Term Care Insurance
- Design: Specifically designed to cover long-term care expenses, such as in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home care. Provides the most comprehensive long-term care benefits for your dollar.
- Benefits: The broadest set of options & benefits. Provides a daily or monthly benefit for a set period or the policyholder’s lifetime, depending on the policy terms.
- Premiums: Recurring premiums paid monthly, quarterly, or annually. Possibility of premium increases over time.
- Underwriting: Requires medical underwriting, where health status impacts eligibility and premium costs.
- Tax Advantages: Premiums may be tax-deductible, and benefits are generally tax-free for qualified long-term care policies.
- About Traditional Long-Term Care Insurance >
Life Insurance with Long-Term Care Rider
- Design: Combines permanent life insurance with a rider allowing access to benefits you can use for long-term healthcare. If LTC benefits are not fully used, a remaining death benefit is generally paid to your beneficiaries as a tax-free death benefit.
- Benefits: May build cash value and have a Return of Premium option.
- Premiums: Premiums will NOT increase. Cost is higher than standard life insurance due to the added rider, but often more cost-effective than separate policies.
- Underwriting: Medical underwriting is usually less strict than traditional long-term care insurance.
- Tax Advantages: 1035 exchanges may be available, and certain strategies can use retirement assets (IRA, 401k, etc.) to help fund coverage.
- About Life Insurance with Long-Term Care >
Annuity with Long-Term Care Rider
- Design: A deferred annuity contract with a rider to cover long-term care expenses. Includes a fixed interest rate and possible indexing for asset growth.
- Benefits: Long-term care benefits are usually double or triple the value of the annuity. If LTC benefits do not exhaust the contract value, the remaining value passes to your beneficiaries at death.
- Premiums: No premium increases. Can be purchased using a single premium payment.
- Underwriting: Health underwriting is simpler than the other plans available.
- Tax Advantages: Tax-Free 1035 exchanges are possible from an existing annuity to a long-term care annuity.
- About Long-Term Care Annuities >
Short-Term Care Insurance
- Design: Provides coverage for care in a nursing home, assisted living, or at home for a short duration, typically up to 12 months.
- Benefits: Helps cover costs for temporary care needs, including recovery from surgery, illness, or injury. Many policies offer a 0-day elimination period, allowing benefits to begin as soon as eligibility requirements are satisfied. This can bridge gaps before long-term care insurance or Medicare kicks in for services like a home health aide.
- Premiums: Generally lower than long-term care insurance due to the shorter benefit period, making it an affordable option for many.
- Underwriting: Often features simplified underwriting with fewer health questions, making it easier to qualify. This can be very helpful for those who may not meet long-term care insurance health or age requirements.
- Tax Advantages: Premiums may be tax-deductible if the policy qualifies as tax-qualified under federal guidelines.
- About Short-Term Care Insurance >
Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Partnership Program
Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Partnership policies combine private long-term care insurance with a special form of Medicaid asset protection. These plans allow you to keep a matching amount of assets if you ever need to qualify for Medicaid, instead of being forced to spend down your savings.
The State of Pennsylvania also enforces Medicaid Estate Recovery (MERP) , which means the state may seek repayment from your estate after Medicaid pays for long-term care. Assets protected through the Partnership Program may also be protected from Pennsylvania Medicaid estate recovery, up to the applicable Partnership asset-disregard amount.
For many Pennsylvanians, this added protection makes Partnership policies a practical way to plan for care and preserve family wealth.
Learn more about the Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Partnership Program >
Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Insurance Companies
There are several long-term care insurance providers in Pennsylvania. These companies differ in coverage, financial stability, premiums, and underwriting requirements.
As independent advisors, we compare all providers to find the best policy for your needs and budget, focusing on premiums, benefits, and financial strength.
USAA member? See your long-term care insurance options >
AARP member? Review AARP long-term care insurance >
- Bankers Life & Casualty
- Brighthouse Financial
- Global Atlantic
- LifeSecure
- Lincoln Financial Group (MoneyGuard)
- Mutual of Omaha
- National Guardian Life (NGL)
- Nationwide Life Insurance Company
- New York Life
- Northwestern Mutual
- OneAmerica
- Securian Financial
- State Farm
- Thrivent Financial
These companies offer a mix of traditional and asset-based (hybrid) long-term care insurance policies. Availability and pricing vary based on your age, health history, and the type of coverage you need.
Average Cost of LTC Insurance in Pennsylvania
How much does long-term care insurance cost in Pennsylvania? Most Pennsylvania residents pay about $2,000–$3,000 per year for a comprehensive long-term care policy. Long-term care insurance in Pennsylvania can cost $1,500 to $5,000+ per year, depending on age, health, gender, benefit design, and other factors.
Several factors influence your premium:
- Age at purchase: Buying at 55 vs 65 can save thousands over time
- Current health status: Better health means lower rates
- Daily or monthly benefit amount: Typically $100 to $300 per day
- Total coverage limit: Usually $100,000 to $500,000+
- Elimination period: 30, 60, or 90-day waiting period before benefits start
- Inflation protection: Protects against rising care costs
Why quotes vary: Pricing depends on underwriting and plan design. Insurers weigh these factors differently, so comparing multiple carriers helps you find the best value.
Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Insurance Quotes
Our Pennsylvania long-term care specialists help you compare a wide range of planning products and strategies. You’ll receive personalized recommendations based on your age, health, and goals, along with guidance on the insurance companies best suited to your situation. You’ll get professional advice with:
✔ Choosing from multiple long-term care planning products
✔ Suggestions for the insurance company best suited to your needs
✔ Help with medical underwriting (qualifying) for coverage
Ready to compare quotes?
Compare Quotes Now
ACACIA Insurance Reviews
What Our Clients Are Saying
FAQs about Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance in Pennsylvania can cost $1,500 to $5,000+ per year, although actual premiums vary widely. Your age, health, gender, marital status, benefit amount, benefit period, elimination period and inflation protection all affect the price. Because insurers price and underwrite differently, comparing several carriers can uncover meaningful savings. An independent LTC specialist can compare Pennsylvania rates and help match coverage to your needs and budget.
Learn more about long-term care insurance costs and coverage >
Pennsylvania residents can choose from several insurers offering traditional long-term care insurance, hybrid life and LTC coverage, or annuity-based LTC solutions. Options can include Mutual of Omaha, National Guardian Life, Nationwide, Lincoln Financial, Securian, OneAmerica, Global Atlantic, Brighthouse Financial and others. Availability varies by product, age, health and underwriting, so comparing multiple insurers can help identify the company and policy best suited to your situation.
Compare long-term care insurance companies >
Pennsylvania residents can choose from traditional long-term care insurance, hybrid life insurance with long-term care benefits, and long-term care annuities. Traditional policies focus primarily on care benefits, while hybrid policies combine LTC coverage with life insurance or annuity benefits. Short-term care insurance may also be available as an alternative for some applicants. The best option depends on your age, health, budget, and financial goals.
Compare Long-Term Care Insurance Options >
Pennsylvania’s Long-Term Care Partnership Program combines private long-term care insurance with Medicaid asset protection. For every dollar a qualified Partnership policy pays in benefits, Pennsylvania allows an equal amount of assets to be disregarded when determining Medicaid long-term care eligibility. Those protected assets may also be protected from estate recovery. For example, $200,000 in Partnership benefits can protect $200,000 in assets, provided the applicant meets the program’s other Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Learn how Partnership long-term care insurance works >
For many Pennsylvania residents, the best time to buy long-term care insurance is in their 50s or early 60s, when premiums are generally lower and health underwriting may be easier to qualify for. Buying earlier can reduce premiums further, while waiting increases the chance that a new health condition could limit your options or prevent approval. The best timing depends on your health, finances, and long-term care planning goals.
Find Out If You Qualify for LTC Insurance >
Long-term care insurance can be worth it for Pennsylvania residents who want to protect retirement assets, reduce reliance on family caregivers, and transfer some of the financial risk of future care to an insurance company. It may be less valuable for people who can comfortably self-fund extended care or expect to rely on Medicaid. The right decision depends on your assets, income, health, family situation, and the cost and benefits of available coverage.
Is Long-Term Care Insurance Worth It? >
Last updated: August 18, 2026
Written by: Craig Matesky, President, ACACIA Insurance
Reviewed by: Mike Berger, National Sales Manager
Sources:
1. “How Much Care Will You Need?” LongTermCare.gov, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Accessed 08/18/2026
2. “How Much Care Will You Need?” LongTermCare.gov
3. Nationwide Financial 2026 Cost of Care Survey conducted by HVS, Accessed 08/18/2026
4. “Who Will Provide Your Care?” LongTermCare.gov
5. Family Caregiver Alliance Caregiver.org, Accessed 08/18/2026.
Note: Coverages and features vary between insurers, differ by state, and may not be available in all locations.