Assignment of Benefits for Long-Term Care Insurance

June 23, 2025

What is an Assignment of Benefits for Long Term Care Insurance?

An Assignment of Benefits (AOB) for long-term care insurance is a legal arrangement that allows a policyholder to authorize a licensed home care agency to bill the insurance company directly for covered services, eliminating the need for the client or family to pay upfront and seek reimbursement. This streamlined billing process helps families avoid the stress and delay often associated with submitting claims, while ensuring care can begin without financial barriers. AOB is especially valuable for seniors receiving home health aide services, personal care, or live-in care, as it reduces out-of-pocket costs and administrative burden. At 7 Day Home Care, we work directly with all major long-term care insurance providers—including American Heritage, Brighthouse, CNA, Genworth, John Hancock, Lincoln Financial, Mutual of Omaha, New York Life, Northwestern Mutual, NYSUT-HealthSmart, and UNUM—to verify policy benefits, complete all necessary documentation, and manage the entire claims process, allowing families to focus on what matters most: high-quality, uninterrupted care at home.

7 day home care is an expert at managing long term care insurance assignment of benefits

What Is an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) in Long-Term Care Insurance?

An Assignment of Benefits (AOB) is a legal agreement that allows a long-term care (LTC) insurance policyholder to authorize a home care agency to bill the insurance company directly for covered services. This means the insurance company pays the agency, not the individual receiving care, which simplifies the process and reduces financial burden on families.

With an AOB in place, families do not need to pay out of pocket and wait for reimbursement. Instead, the agency is reimbursed directly by the insurance provider. This system is widely used in healthcare, especially in home care settings, and can be a critical tool for families who need help managing care and finances.

Why Assignment of Benefits Matters

Many families face delays in care due to the administrative burden of paying first and waiting for reimbursement. An AOB solves that by:

Eliminates the stress and complexity of managing long-term care insurance claims on your own
Allowing care to begin more quickly
Reducing or eliminating upfront costs
Simplifying claims processing
Minimizing billing errors

At 7 Day Home Care, we help families take full advantage of AOB by managing all communication and paperwork with the insurance company.

How Assignment of Benefits Works: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Policy Review

Our team reviews the client’s long-term care insurance policy to verify AOB eligibility and coverage terms.

Step 2: Authorization Form

We provide an AOB authorization form that the policyholder or their legal representative signs.

Step 3: Care Begins

Once the AOB is in place and benefits are verified, home care services can begin immediately.

Step 4: Billing & Payment

7 Day Home Care submits invoices directly to the insurance company and manages the claims process. Families receive all documentation and are kept informed but will not be burdened with the day-to-day administration of the insurance claim.

What Services Are Covered Through Assignment of Benefits?

While coverage depends on the specific policy, the most common services covered by long-term care insurance with AOB include Activities of Daily Living.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are the basic, routine tasks that people perform every day to take care of themselves. In the context of long-term care insurance and home care services, ADLs are essential because eligibility for benefits often depends on a person's inability to perform two or more ADLs without assistance. Understanding ADLs helps families and caregivers assess the level of support a loved one may need at home.

The Six Primary Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):

Bathing
The ability to bathe oneself safely and maintain personal hygiene, including showering, washing hair, and oral care.
Dressing
The ability to choose appropriate clothing and put it on or take it off without help.
Toileting
The ability to get to and from the toilet, use it appropriately, and manage personal hygiene afterward.
Transferring
The ability to move from one position to another—for example, from a bed to a chair or from sitting to standing.
Continence
The ability to control bladder and bowel function or manage incontinence hygiene products independently.
Feeding
The ability to feed oneself, not including meal preparation—just the act of eating or drinking.

Why ADLs Matter in Long-Term Care

Long-term care insurance providers use ADLs as a standard measure to determine whether a person qualifies for benefits. If a person cannot perform two or more ADLs without help, most long-term care policies will approve services such as home health aide support, personal care, or live-in care. At 7 Day Home Care, our licensed caregivers assist with all six ADLs and create customized care plans based on the client’s functional needs and policy coverage.

ADLs vs. IADLs: What’s the Difference?

While ADLs focus on basic physical functioning, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) refer to more complex tasks that allow someone to live independently, such as:

Managing medications
Preparing meals
Shopping for groceries
Organizing and accompanying on appointments
Using the telephone or technology
Doing housework or laundry

IADLs are not typically used by insurers to determine eligibility for long-term care benefits, but they are still crucial to overall well-being and independence. Many of 7 Day Home Care’s services also address IADLs as part of our comprehensive care plans.

How 7 Day Home Care Supports ADL Needs

Our certified home health aides are trained to support clients with both ADLs and IADLs in a way that promotes safety, dignity, and independence. Whether your loved one needs help bathing, getting dressed, or transferring safely from bed to wheelchair, our team provides skilled and compassionate care backed by nursing oversight and real-time communication with families. We also document ADL assistance daily to meet long-term care insurance requirements and ensure uninterrupted benefits.

Key Benefits of Using AOB for Home Care

Faster Access to Care

By avoiding reimbursement delays, care can start right away.

Reduced Out-of-Pocket Costs

Families avoid having to pay large sums up front and wait weeks for reimbursement.

Less Paperwork

7 Day Home Care handles document submissions including nursing assessment, care plan, invoicing, and daily care notes

Transparency & Accuracy

We communicate directly with you and the insurers to avoid billing errors or missed payments.

Improved Continuity of Care

Since there’s no financial gap, care can continue uninterrupted.

Is Assignment of Benefits Safe?

Yes, when working with a licensed, insured, and experienced agency like 7 Day Home Care, the AOB process is completely safe. We:

Provide clear documentation and authorization
Keep clients informed at every step
Only bill for services provided and covered under your policy

We follow all New York State Department of Health regulations and maintain full transparency in billing.

When AOB Is Not Allowed: What to Do

Some older policies or insurance companies may not permit AOB. In those cases:

We assist clients in submitting claims for reimbursement
We provide detailed billing documentation for every service
We help families understand policy language and advocate for fair treatment

Our goal is to make sure you receive every hour of care your policy allows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I assign my LTC benefits to 7 Day Home Care?

Yes, if your policy allows it. We will review your policy and walk you through the steps to sign the AOB form.

What if my insurance doesn’t allow AOB?

You can still receive care. We will bill you directly and help you submit claims to your insurer for reimbursement.

Does AOB affect how much care I can receive?

No. It simply changes how the services are billed and paid. Your benefits are based on your policy.

Can AOB be revoked?

Yes. You or your authorized representative can cancel the AOB at any time in writing.

Why Choose 7 Day Home Care?

7 Day Home Care is one of New York’s top home care agencies, with deep experience working with long-term care insurance and Assignment of Benefits. We serve families across:

Manhattan
Queens
Brooklyn
Nassau and Suffolk Counties

We are licensed by the NYS Department of Health and have an exceptional track record of care.

What We Offer:

24/7 availability
Same-day care start
Bilingual staff
Personalized care plans
Specialized Alzheimer's and dementia in-home care
Specialized post surgery, stroke recovery, cancer support in-home care
Help with LTC insurance claims, appeals, and AOB setup

How to Get Started

Getting started is simple:

Call us at (516) 408-0034 to schedule a free consultation.
Send us your policy for a free benefit verification.
Sign the AOB form if your policy allows.
Start care immediately with one of our trained home health aides.

We work with your physician, insurance company, and family to create a care plan that meets your needs without delay.

Final Thoughts: AOB Gives Families Peace of Mind

Navigating long-term care insurance can be stressful, but an Assignment of Benefits helps reduce that stress by eliminating delays, simplifying finances, and allowing care to begin when it’s needed most. At 7 Day Home Care, we make the AOB process seamless and secure. Whether you're caring for a loved one with dementia, recovering from surgery, or managing chronic illness at home, our team is ready to support you with professionalism, compassion, and efficiency. 7 Day Home Care provides private pay in-home care services and is a approved provider under your long term care insurance policy throughout NYC, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island, New York. To learn more about our specialized dementia in-home care services, please call 516-408-0034.

Brian Callahan

7 Day Home Care

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Late Stage Dementia Care at Home: Safety, Support, and Daily Care Needs

By Brian Callahan • December 20, 2025

Late-stage dementia care at home in Manhattan. Professional caregivers help keep your loved one safe, comfortable, and cared for.

Post-Stroke Home Care Services: What Recovery Looks Like at Home

By Brian Callahan • December 18, 2025

A stroke doesn’t just affect the body — it disrupts an entire life. For many families, the most frightening part doesn’t happen during the emergency itself, but after the hospital discharge, when doctors say, “You can take them home now.” That moment often brings more questions than relief. How will they walk again? Will their speech improve? What if they fall? What if something goes wrong at night? Stroke recovery is not a short-term event. It is a long, uneven process that requires patience, structure, and consistent care. While hospitals and rehabilitation centers handle the acute phase, the real recovery happens at home — where routines are rebuilt and independence is slowly regained. This is why professional post-stroke home care services have become essential for families trying to manage recovery safely and realistically. Across New York, families searching for home care in East Meadow , Home Health Care Service Oceanside , or a reliable Home Care Agency in Glen Cove NY often reach the same conclusion: recovery at home is possible, but not without the right support. Providers like 7 Day Home Care exist to bridge the gap between hospital treatment and long-term stability at home. Understanding Stroke and How It Changes Daily Life A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen. Depending on which area of the brain is affected, the consequences can vary widely — but almost always involve some loss of function. Types of Stroke and Their Impact on Recovery Ischemic strokes , caused by blood clots, are the most common and often leave survivors with weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. Hemorrhagic strokes , caused by bleeding in the brain, may involve longer recovery times and greater cognitive challenges. Regardless of type, stroke recovery is rarely predictable. Progress may come slowly, and setbacks are common. Common Physical and Cognitive Effects After a Stroke Stroke survivors may experience: Limited mobility or paralysis Difficulty speaking, understanding, or swallowing Memory and concentration problems Emotional changes such as depression, anxiety, or irritability Loss of coordination and balance These changes affect everyday activities — from getting dressed to preparing meals — making independent living unsafe without assistance. Medical Complications Families Often Miss After a Stroke One of the most common misunderstandings families have after a stroke is believing that the most dangerous phase ends once the patient is discharged from the hospital. In reality, the post-discharge period is often medically more risky than the initial emergency. Blood pressure instability, dehydration, infections, and medication inconsistencies frequently develop quietly at home without obvious warning signs. Many stroke survivors are unable to clearly recognize or communicate subtle symptoms such as head pressure, unusual fatigue, mild confusion, or changes in vision. Families may assume these are “normal parts of recovery” and unintentionally delay intervention. This is where professional, medically informed observation becomes critical — not just for daily care, but for early detection of complications before they escalate into emergencies. What Stroke Recovery at Home Really Looks Like Many families expect recovery to be straightforward once their loved one is home. The reality is more complex. Home recovery requires constant adaptation , monitoring, and emotional support. The First Few Weeks After Hospital Discharge The early recovery period is often the most fragile. Stroke survivors are adjusting to new physical limitations while families are learning caregiving responsibilities for the first time. During this phase, the risks of falls, missed medications, dehydration, and emotional distress are highest. Professional post-stroke home care during this time provides structure, reassurance, and medical awareness — helping prevent avoidable complications that often lead to hospital readmission. Long-Term Recovery and Daily Adjustment Stroke recovery does not follow a straight line. Some abilities may return, while others require long-term support. At home, progress depends on consistency, encouragement, and safe routines — all of which are difficult to maintain without trained assistance. Daily Care Needs After a Stroke Post-stroke care is deeply personal. No two recovery journeys look the same, but most survivors require help in several key areas. Mobility and Physical Assistance Weakness, paralysis, or balance issues often make walking and transfers unsafe. Caregivers assist with: Moving safely from bed to chair Walking support and fall prevention Encouraging mobility without pushing beyond limits This balance between safety and independence is critical to recovery. Personal Care and Hygiene Support Simple tasks such as bathing or dressing can become overwhelming after a stroke. Assistance with hygiene helps maintain dignity while preventing infections and skin issues. Medication Management and Health Monitoring Stroke survivors are often prescribed medications to prevent another stroke and manage blood pressure or cholesterol. Home care ensures medications are taken correctly and that any concerning symptoms are reported promptly. Nutrition, Swallowing, and Hydration Swallowing difficulties are common and can be dangerous if unmanaged. Caregivers support safe eating practices, monitor hydration, and follow dietary guidelines recommended by healthcare providers. Emotional and Cognitive Support Stroke recovery is emotionally taxing. Survivors may feel frustrated, embarrassed, or discouraged. Compassionate companionship and reassurance help rebuild confidence and reduce isolation. Safety Concerns During Stroke Recovery at Home Safety is one of the biggest reasons families seek professional support. Fall Risk and Home Hazards Limited mobility and poor balance increase the risk of falls, especially in homes not designed for recovery. Emergency Awareness and Monitoring Stroke survivors may not recognize warning signs of another stroke or be able to call for help. Continuous monitoring reduces this risk. Preventing Hospital Readmission Many stroke-related hospital readmissions are preventable. With proper home care, small issues are addressed early before becoming emergencies. How Professional Post-Stroke Home Care Services Support Recovery Professional home care transforms recovery from guesswork into a structured process. Trained Caregivers Who Understand Stroke Recovery Caregivers are trained to assist safely, recognize warning signs, and provide emotional reassurance without limiting independence. Skilled Home Health Support Depending on needs, services may include nursing care, health monitoring, and coordination with physical or speech therapists. Personalized Recovery Plans Providers like 7 Day Home Care create flexible care plans that evolve as recovery progresses, ensuring support remains appropriate at every stage. Support for Families, Not Just Patients Home care also supports families by reducing stress, providing education, and offering peace of mind. Benefits of Recovering at Home After a Stroke For many survivors, home recovery offers advantages that facilities cannot. Familiar surroundings reduce stress One-on-one attention improves safety Emotional support from family boosts motivation Lower risk of infections compared to institutional settings Post-Stroke Home Care in Cedarhurst, East Meadow, Glen Cove, and Oceanside Families often first encounter stroke through emergency services or urgent care in Cedarhurst NY , but recovery extends far beyond urgent treatment. Those seeking home care in East Meadow , Home Care Agency in Glen Cove NY , or Home Health Care Service Oceanside benefit from providers who understand local healthcare systems and home environments. 7 Day Home Care serves families across these communities, offering consistent, compassionate post-stroke care tailored to both urban and suburban living situations. When Families Should Seek Professional Home Care Delaying care often leads to burnout or emergencies. Signs It’s Time for Help Frequent falls or near-falls Missed medications Increasing dependence Emotional exhaustion among family caregivers Seeking professional help is not a failure — it is a responsible decision that protects everyone involved. Frequently Asked Questions Q1.Can stroke recovery be managed at home? Yes, with professional support, many stroke survivors recover safely at home. Q2.How long does stroke recovery take? Recovery varies widely and may continue for months or years. Q3.Is home care better than rehab facilities? Home care offers personalized, one-on-one support in familiar surroundings. Q4.Does home care replace therapy? No. It supports therapy by ensuring exercises and routines are followed safely. Q5.When should families contact 7 Day Home Care? When safety, recovery progress, or caregiver well-being becomes a concern. Conclusion Stroke recovery is not just about healing the body — it’s about rebuilding daily life. With structured, compassionate post-stroke home care services, recovery at home becomes safer, more realistic, and less overwhelming for families. 7 Day Home Care provides trusted private pay and long-term care insurance–supported in-home care services across Manhattan , Long Island , NYC , Queens , and Brooklyn, New York , helping families access consistent, professional support tailored to post-stroke recovery needs. Families who would like guidance on post-stroke in-home care options can request a free consultation to discuss personalized care plans and understand the level of support available for their loved ones.