A long-term illness can have devastating effects on patients and their families. Extended periods of care can leave families both emotionally and financially drained. Nursing home expenses can exceed $72,000 per year with many patients requiring multiple years of care. Until recently, families had to “spend down” (use their savings) before they could qualify for financial assistance. A long-term illness requiring extended nursing home care could wipe out a ifetime of savings. Most nursing home patients begin by paying for the long-term care expenses themselves but end up on Medicaid* after their own savings have been spent down.