Review: Nationwide CareMatters II
- 6 min read

Review: Nationwide CareMatters II

On this post
⏱️
Like Captain Kirk boldly navigating uncharted space, this hybrid policy leads with innovation and flexibility. You may like this policy more than others for its flexible cash benefits, large pool of funds for care, and tax advantages.

Intro

Nationwide CareMatters II, introduced in 2019, was one of the first hybrid policies to offer 100% cash benefits directly to policyholders, giving them unmatched flexibility when it matters most.

💡
The joint version of this policy is CareMatters Together.

This policy offers strong, flexible benefits:

If we had to compare this policy to a Star Trek character, CareMatters II is like Captain Kirk—a bold leader navigating uncharted territory with confidence and vision. Known for his leadership and innovation, Kirk always finds a way forward, just like CareMatters II equips you with the tools to navigate uncertain times.

For your entertainment, enjoy this 20-second Kirk fight scene—a classic example of bold moves, questionable choreography, and special effects from the 1960s.

While this policy might not save the galaxy, it could save you from financial disaster in 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, it's all about a well-executed mission.

💡
At Long Term What? we sell long-term care insurance from multiple companies. All of our content is free of ads and partnerships, unbiased, and provided at no cost. Learn more about us.

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
premium: the payment to maintain insurance
rider: an insurance add-on
underwriting: insurer’s review process to decide coverage and cost

➡️ Explore all the LTC jargon

Standard benefits

CareMatters II comes with many standard benefits of a hybrid policy:


What's special about CareMatters?

In a competitive market, policies often include standout features to set themselves apart. Let’s take a closer look at what makes CareMatters II special.

💡
Benefits and terms may vary depending on your state of residence.

Cash indemnity

This policy offers cash indemnity payouts, providing higher payouts and greater flexibility compared to traditional reimbursement-based policies.

  • No need to submit receipts – less paperwork, less hassle.
  • Full, maximum benefit – paid each month, regardless of actual care costs.
  • Freedom to spend on any type of care – including payments to family caregivers, with fewer exclusions and no approvals required.

Check out this 2-minute feel-good video from Nationwide on how cash indemnity offers you the freedom to receive care at home.

High benefit pool

A benefit pool is the total amount available to cover long-term care expenses, whether for home care, assisted living, or other support. This policy offers a generous benefit pool, delivering more value for your premium dollar. At the bottom of this post, you'll find a comparison table showing how it stacks up against other policies.

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.

🤓
What's this worth? This perk shifts your benefit period to, say, 0–6 years instead of 0.25–6.25 years, letting you access benefits sooner. Since most people don't need LTC for 6.25 years, you're more likely to receive more benefits. In policy comparisons, this perk could add 5%+ in value to the CareMatters benefit pool.


The details

If this policy piques your interest, we’ll scour the galaxy for the key details and deliver only what truly matters.

We rate each policy’s benefits, premiums, underwriting, and company on a three-star scale, with three stars being the best.

💡
We rate this policy's features against the best on the market. Every policy review will include some one-star ratings, but these aren’t 'bad'—just the lowest among excellent options.


Benefits

Benefits are what the policy pays for covered care expenses.

CareMatters combines key hybrid policy benefits: cash indemnity, minimal exclusions, a death benefit, plus a substantial benefit pool.


Premium

Premiums are the payments made to maintain insurance coverage.

CareMatters offers guaranteed premiums that will never increase, along with a variety of flexible options.

💡
This policy allows for 1035 exchanges, letting you convert a taxable investment (e.g., an annuity) into tax-free LTCi benefits.


Underwriting

Underwriting is how an insurance company evaluates your health and history to determine coverage and pricing.

CareMatters is widely available with a streamlined underwriting process, providing quick decisions.


Company

Choose a top-rated insurer for reliable LTC coverage, even decades from now. We only offer policies from financially strong companies to give you peace of mind.

Nationwide's experience and ratings are average compared to the policies we offer.


Comparisons

How does this policy stack up against others? Focus on what matters most to you to find the best fit.

💡
These tables aren’t flawless—policies often change, some features vary by state, and, well, humans make mistakes. Always review your quotes and illustrations for the most up-to-date information.

Benefit pools

Below is a comparison of benefit pools for the same premium. Benefit pools are just one of several factors to consider when evaluating LTCi policies.

Benefits

In this table, you can compare the benefits of all the LTCi policies we offer. You can:

  • Search for any detail.
  • Tap any column title to sort.
  • Scroll right to view more columns. ➡️


Next steps

If this policy seems like a good fit, take the quiz below and include 'CareMatters II' in the notes section at the final step.


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.

📕
Explore more: Nationwide (CareMatters II client guide)