Intro
Nationwide CareMatters II, introduced in 2019 as the first hybrid plan to offer cash indemnity benefits, is one of the best-selling hybrid policies on the market, offering strong, flexible benefits:
This policy is like Captain Kirk from Star Trek, a leader and innovator, boldly going where no one has gone before with confidence and vision. He’s known for his flexibility, adapting quickly to new challenges and finding creative solutions in the face of the unknown. CareMatters II captures this same spirit, leading the way in LTCi with innovation and flexibility.
While this policy may not save the world, it just might save you from financial destruction in the face of a long-term care event.
As you consider your options, let "LTC" guide you: Learn about options, Talk with family, and Create a plan that supports your shared future. Because in the end, isn’t it all about a well-executed mission?
Post jargon
benefit: the amount LTCi pays for covered care expenses
benefit period: the maximum time LTCi pays for care after criteria are met
benefit pool: total amount available in LTCi for care expenses
cash indemnity: pays the full benefit, regardless of the actual care costs
death benefit: a payout to a beneficiary from a hybrid policy after the insured passes away
elimination period: the waiting period after criteria are met before benefits start
exclusion: an insurance rule that denies benefits for specific risks
inflation protection: LTCi benefit that adjusts for rising costs
nonforfeiture option: LTCi feature allowing reduced benefits or partial premium return if policy lapses or cancels
premium: the payment to maintain insurance
rider: an insurance add-on
surrender options: LTCi cancellation options with partial premium refund or reduced benefits
underwriting: insurer’s review process to decide coverage and cost
➡️ Explore all the LTC jargon
What's special about it?
Many policies include special features to stand out in a competitive market.
Cash indemnity
The cash indemnity benefit (a major perk) gives you the most flexibility and payouts with the least hassles and exclusions so you can receive care in your home or a senior community.
Check out this 2-minute feel-good video from Nationwide on how cash indemnity offers you the freedom to receive care at home or in a senior community.
High benefit pool
CareMatters II usually offers one of the highest benefit pools of hybrid policies on the market.
More tax savings
Nationwide separates the premiums between life and LTC insurance, allowing policyholders to deduct the LTC portion of their costs.
Generous elimination period
An elimination period, or waiting period, is the time after qualifying for benefits when you cover costs out of pocket before the policy kicks in.
Here’s what makes this policy stand out: After 90 days, you’re retroactively reimbursed for those expenses.
Example:
Imagine you start long-term care in assisted living 20 years from now, with annual costs of $120,000. For the first 90 days, that’s $30,000 ($120,000 ÷ 4). With this policy, you’d get that $30,000 reimbursed—money you’d lose with other policies.
1035 exchanges
CareMatters II allows for 1035 exchanges. If you own a non-qualified, tax-deferred annuity or life insurance policy, you can transfer those funds directly—tax-free—to purchase this LTCi policy. This can convert an otherwise taxable investment into a policy that provides tax-free LTCi benefits when you need them.
The details
If this policy piques your interest, we’ll scour the galaxy for the key details and deliver only what truly matters.
We’ll rate the benefits, premium, underwriting, and company from one to three stars (three being the best) compared to other LTCi policies.
Benefits
Benefits are what the policy pays for covered care expenses. CareMatters Together gives you flexible ways to get the most out of your long-term care benefits.
Premium
Premiums are the payments made to maintain insurance.
Underwriting
Underwriting is the insurer’s process to decide coverage and cost.
Company
Nationwide is a stable company with a long history and extensive experience in the insurance industry.
Comparisons
How does CareMatters II compare to other LTCi policies? Focus on what matters most to make the right policy choice for you.
Benefit pools
Compare the benefit pools offered by different individual hybrid policies for the same premium.
Benefits
Compare the benefits offered by different LTCi policies.
Next steps
If this policy sounds like a good fit, request quotes and mention "CareMatters II" in your notes.
Wrap up
In the universe of long-term care insurance, CareMatters II is the Captain Kirk—bold, flexible, and always leading the way.
This policy is ideal if you’re looking for:
- Flexibility – thanks to cash indemnity benefits
- High payouts – from a generous benefit pool
- Peace of mind – from a trusted name in insurance
It’s no surprise this policy is one of the most popular LTC options out there. If it sounds like a good fit for you, we’re here to help you explore the details.
