(NAPSA)—Many people think the stiff joints, aches and pains of arthritis are just part of aging. In fact, while arthritis can result from years of wear andtear, the average age of onset is 47. It’s also true that arthritis plagues more than 65 percent of the oldest Americans,especially women. While there are several types ofarthritis, the two most common are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Both cause inflamed joints but in different ways: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder and affects not only the joints but major organs such as the heart. Osteoarthritis is caused by the degeneration of the cartilage in joints. This can be attributed to wear and tear, whether from aging or trauma. Long-Term Care And Arthritis Long-term care is needed if you can no longer perform everyday tasks by yourself due to a chronic illness, injury, disability or aging. This type of care includeseither cognitive or physical assistance with simple tasks such as bathing, eating and dressing—activities most people do every day without a second thought. This care may seem manageable but it can be the cause of unnecessary financial and emotional strain. When it comes to arthritis, it’s estimated that more than $150,000 is spent on care costs over a lifetime. These costs include lost wages, With care, you can keeparthritis from seriously impeding yourlifestyle. licensed caregivers. Informal caregivers cannot have lived in your homeat the time you becameeligible for benefits, but they can live in your homeafter you becomeeligible. In addition, the FLTCIP’s care co- ordination services offer you and your qualified relatives information about long-term care resources, such aslocal care providers and relevant community programs, as well as valuable support to your family as you manage with the conditionsofarthritis. Many membersofthe federal family are eligible to apply for FLT'CIP coverage, including federal and U.S. Postal Service employees and annuitants, ac- tive and retired members of the uni- formed services, and qualified relatives. Certain medical conditions, or combinations of conditions, will prevent some medical treatments and medicalcare. The Society of Actuaries stated in 2014 that 17 percent of women’s home care claims are due to arthritis and it’s the second leading cause ofassisted liv- people from being approved for coverage. You needto apply to find outif you qualify for coverage under the FLTCIP. To find outif you or a loved oneis eligible to apply, visit www.LTCFEDS.com/ eligibility. For personalized assistance, behind Alzheimer’s disease. According TTY (800) 843-3557 to speak with a ing claims, for both men and women, to Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, 10 percent of nursing home claimants receiving benefits are women diagnosed with arthritis. WhereTo Get Help Fortunately, the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) offers comprehensive long-term care insurance coverage for care services in a variety of settings and your choice of caregiver. Care may be provided at home by informal caregivers such as friends, family members andother pri- vate caregivers, as well as formal care by call (800) LTC-FEDS [(800) 582-3337]/ program consultant. More About The FLTCIP Established by an act of Congress in 2000 and overseen by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the FLTCIP is designed to meet the specific needs of the federal family. The FLTCIP provides industry-leading benefits and offers flexible options that allow enrollees to tailor coverage to meettheir needs. ‘The FLTCIPis sponsoredbythe U.S. Office of Personnel Management, issued by John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company, and administered by Long Term Care Partners, LLC.
