If you’re like many Americans with a long-term care insurance policy today, you might have purchased your plan years ago—and now that you’re ready to take advantage of its benefits, you’re not sure where to start.

It’s not like your health insurance.

Most insureds feel pretty familiar with their health insurance plan because they’ve used it and revisited it regularly (or at least from time to time!) over the years. But with a long-term care policy, you may not even remember what’s covered, what’s required, or what’s excluded. And that’s before you get into the complexities and monthly filing requirements!

Here are four important steps to remember when it’s time to access your LTC benefits.

1. Find your policy

Whether it’s been six months or sixteen years since you enrolled in your long-term care plan, make sure you have your policy number and the named insureds. This will all be critical information in determining what’s included in your policy and how to access those benefits.

2. Know what to say before you call

Many insurance companies have strict protocols for considering claims, and it’s designed to be an opaque and confusing process. If you don’t have your ducks in a row when you call the first time, your claim could be flagged—leading to higher scrutiny and tougher chances of getting approved.

3. Don’t panic

Long-term care insurance may not be an easy process to navigate, but these benefits are essential to your family’s care, well-being, and financial stability. Though it may feel tempting to throw your hands up in the air in frustration, unleash some colorful language, or simply walk away, resist those urges.

4. Call Family Solutions for Care

While individuals, families, and healthcare providers who file claims on their own may find that they end up struggling through denials and appeals, Family Services for Care strives to maintain a 100% first-time approval rate for our clients. FSC is experienced in the LTC insurance process and is eager to help your family access the benefits you’re entitled to.

If you’re ready to access the benefits of your long-term care insurance plan, remember that these policies are often much more confusing and complex than the standard health insurance policies you’re probably used to.

Their intricacies don’t make them any less important, however, and Family Solutions for Care wants to make sure that you get the benefits you’re entitled to—or that your family member gets the care they need without worrying about how to pay for it.

Contact FSC today to learn how we can help you access your LTC benefits!