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.
This policy offers strong, flexible benefits:
- Cash indemnity: Spend your benefits however you see fit.
- High benefit pool: Get access to more funds for care costs.
- More tax savings: Lower your overall policy costs.
- Generous elimination period: Get paid for care from day one.
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.
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:
- Guaranteed premiums: Your costs can never...go...up.
- Guaranteed benefits: Your payouts always match your policy terms.
- Benefit triggers: Coverage starts when you need help with two ADLs or cognitive decline.
- Broad coverage: Includes informal care (e.g., family), home health care, adult day care, assisted living, nursing homes, memory care, CCRCs, care coordination, respite care, and hospice.
- Inflation protection (optional): Keeps your benefits aligned with rising costs.
- Death benefit: If you never use your benefits, your family receives a payout upon your death.
- Money-back option: Cancel your policy anytime and get some or all of your money back.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.