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2. LIFE INSURANCE Many long-term care insurance policies sold today are combined with life insurance, paying your heirs something if you don’t end up using the care benefits. In addition, 

some life insurance plans let you draw on your death benefit or sell the policy to get money for long term care. These options go by names such as accelerated death benefits, life

settlements, and viatical settlements. FIRST STEP: Research options at LongTermCare.gov. 3. HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS If you’re not yet on Medicare and have a high-deductible health insurance

plan, you can put money in a health savings account (HSA) that you can use later for home care and other health expenses, Tyson says. It’s “an incredible deal,” because it’s “triple tax

free,’’ meaning you don’t pay taxes when you put the money in, while it’s invested, or when you withdraw it for qualified health expenses. That includes premiums on long-term care insurance,

he notes. FIRST STEP: Lean more about HSA-eligible health insurance plans at HealthCare.gov. 4. HOME EQUITY Many older adults have significant equity in their homes: a median $250,000,

according to the National Council on Aging. That can be collateral for a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit. However, those over 62 may also qualify for reverse mortgages,

loans that you or your heirs repay only when you move, sell the house, or die. These loans have upfront costs and other potential drawbacks, including foreclosure if you don’t keep paying

property taxes. Interest and fees accumulate each month, raising your balance over time. But they can be a solution for people who are “house rich” but cash poor, Flynn says. It’s “the

financial resource of last resort,” Tyson says, so “it's imperative that you shop around and make sure that you're getting the best possible deal.” JOIN OUR FIGHT TO IMPROVE HOME

CARE Sign up to become an AARP activist for more home and community-based services and other issues important to people 50 and older In part because of a history of scams, you must speak

with a government-approved counselor before taking out a reverse mortgage. You can find them through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website or by calling (800)

569-4287. FIRST STEP: Read the National Council on Aging’s consumer guidebook, _Use Your Home to Stay at Home__._ 5. MEDICARE  “Unfortunately, a lot of people mistakenly think that Medicare

is going to cover everything,” Edgerly says. In fact, Medicare pays only for limited home health care. A medical provider must say there is a temporary need for skilled home care, from

nurses, therapists or other health professionals, because of an illness or injury. Non-medical care, like help bathing or eating, can only be covered while you’re getting the skilled care.

Some Medicare recipients with dementia have access to a pilot program, Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE), that includes $2,500 a year caregivers can use for respite services —

including having someone come to the home so they can get a break, Edgerly notes. FIRST STEP: Learn more about Medicare benefits, visit Medicare.gov, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, which can have different rules, contact your insurer.