Nationwide CareMatters II – 100% Cash Indemnity Hybrid Long Term Care Insurance

Nationwide CareMatters II stands out in the hybrid long-term care insurance market with its 100% cash indemnity benefit—once your claim is triggered, they just send you the money. No receipts, no documentation, no hassle. In 2025, this policy consistently ranks in the top 2-3 positions on our comparison spreadsheets, making it one of the most popular choices for those who value simplicity and flexibility in their long-term care coverage.

Why Nationwide CareMatters II Stands Out in 2025

"Nationwide pays benefits in cash. Once the claim is triggered, they just send you the money. You could spend it however you want." - Derek from LTC Tree

As one of the few carriers offering true 100% cash indemnity, Nationwide has created a policy that eliminates the friction and paperwork that frustrates so many families during an already difficult time. Combined with their unique 90-day deductible refund and industry-leading 20% minimum death benefit, CareMatters II offers exceptional value despite its slightly higher premium.

Key Features of Nationwide CareMatters II

100% Cash Indemnity - No Receipts Required

Nationwide is one of the few carriers offering true 100% cash indemnity:

• Receive your full monthly benefit with no documentation
• No receipts, bills, or proof of expenses needed
• Complete freedom to use benefits as you choose
• Pay family caregivers if that's part of your care plan
• Use extra funds for any needs: medications, home modifications, bills

90-Day Deductible Refund

Nationwide offers a unique benefit that sets them apart:

• Standard 90-day elimination period applies
• On day 91, receive a lump sum check for 3 months of benefits
• Example: $10,000/month benefit = $30,000 check on day 91
• Effectively eliminates the financial burden of the waiting period
• Combined with ongoing benefits, provides crucial financial support

Industry-Leading 20% Minimum Death Benefit

Nationwide offers the largest minimum death benefit in the market:

• Guaranteed 20% of original death benefit remains
• Even after substantial long-term care claims
• Example: $100,000 death benefit with $500,000 in LTC claims = $20,000 to beneficiaries
• Helps cover funeral expenses and final costs
• Provides peace of mind for family financial planning

How Cash Indemnity Works in Practice

"If you want to pay your spouse, they pay their spouse. If it's part of the plan of care, absolutely. Some companies out there on the market, not Nationwide, do reimbursement. Because this isn't a reimbursement plan... it's just a much easier claims process." - Derek from LTC Tree

Nationwide CareMatters II Product Options

Ages for Coverage

• Issue ages: 30-75
• Covers younger market often excluded by competitors
• Lock in coverage before health issues arise

Benefit Period Choices

• 2-7 year benefit periods available
• Most popular: 4-6 year coverage
• Customizable to match your needs and budget

Inflation Protection Options

• 3% simple inflation
• 3% compound inflation
• 5% compound inflation

• US Medical Care CPI (unique option)

  • 2% floor, 6% ceiling
  • 10-year average: 2.94%
  • 30-year average: 6.29%

Premium Payment Options

• Single pay
• 5-year pay
• 10-year pay
• Pay to age 65
• Annual pay for life

Coverage Includes

• Home Health Care: Professional or family care in your home
• Assisted Living Facilities: Full coverage for ALF expenses
• Adult Day Care: Support for part-time care needs
• Nursing Home Care: Comprehensive skilled nursing coverage
• Memory Care: Specialized dementia and Alzheimer's care
• Respite Care: Temporary relief for family caregivers
• International Coverage: Benefits available worldwide

Financial Strength & Ratings

• AM Best: A+ (Superior)
• Standard & Poor's: A+ (Strong)
• Moody's: A1 (Good)
• Over 90 years in business
• $265 billion in assets

Pros and Cons of Nationwide CareMatters II

Pros:

✓ 100% cash indemnity—no receipts ever required ✓ 90-day deductible refund (unique benefit) ✓ 20% minimum death benefit (largest in market) ✓ Fixed premiums—never increase ✓ Available from age 30 (younger than most competitors) ✓ Tax-qualified benefits ✓ US Medical Care CPI inflation option ✓ C-Corp tax deductibility ✓ No medical exam required ✓ International coverage included

Cons:

✗ Premium typically ranks 2nd or 3rd (slightly higher cost) ✗ Significant surrender charges if cancelled ✗ 90-day elimination period (though refunded) ✗ Not the absolute cheapest option

How Nationwide Compares to Other Hybrid Carriers

As independent agents who spreadsheet every carrier:

vs. Lincoln MoneyGuard:

• Nationwide: 100% cash indemnity vs Lincoln's 50%
• Lincoln: Zero elimination period vs Nationwide's 90 days
• Nationwide: Higher death benefit minimum (20% vs standard)
• Lincoln: Often lower premium

vs. Pacific Life:

• Nationwide: Better cash indemnity structure
• Pacific Life: No surrender charges
• Both offer strong benefits and ratings

vs. OneAmerica:

• OneAmerica: Lifetime benefit option available
• Nationwide: Superior cash benefits and death benefit minimum
• OneAmerica: May be better for certain health conditions

Is Nationwide CareMatters II Right for You?

Nationwide CareMatters II is an excellent choice if you:

• Want 100% cash benefits with no receipts required
• Value the flexibility to pay family caregivers
• Appreciate the 90-day deductible refund feature
• Want the security of the 20% minimum death benefit
• Are younger (30-50) and want to lock in coverage early
• Own a C-Corp and can benefit from tax deductions
• Prefer simplicity over complexity at claim time

Tax Advantages

Nationwide CareMatters II offers significant tax benefits:

• Long-term care benefits received tax-free (up to IRS limits)
• 2025 IRS per-diem limit: $450/day tax-free
• Death benefit passes income tax-free to beneficiaries
• C-Corporation deductibility for business owners
• Potential estate tax benefits for larger estates

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Nationwide more expensive than some competitors? A: The premium reflects superior benefits: 100% cash indemnity, 90-day refund, and 20% minimum death benefit. When you factor in these advantages, the extra cost often pays for itself.

Q: Can I really pay my spouse to be my caregiver? A: Yes, if it's part of your plan of care. This flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of cash indemnity.

Q: What happens if I cancel my policy? A: Nationwide has surrender charges that can be significant. If you think you might cancel, consider Pacific Life or Minnesota Life instead.

Q: How does Nationwide rank overall? A: Consistently in the top 2-3 spots on our comparison spreadsheets. It's often the best choice for those prioritizing claims simplicity.

Get Your Nationwide CareMatters II Quote

Don't make this important decision without seeing how Nationwide compares to all other hybrid carriers. As independent agents founded on objectivity, we'll show you:

• Side-by-side premium comparisons with all major carriers
• Total value analysis including unique Nationwide benefits
• Honest recommendations based on your priorities
• Clear explanations of cash indemnity advantages

We work for you, not the insurance companies. Request your free comparison quote today—we'll show you exactly where Nationwide ranks for your specific situation and help you understand whether the premium difference is worth the superior benefits.

Looking for Joint Coverage? Nationwide also offers CareMatters Together, a joint life policy designed specifically for couples. We'll cover this in detail in our next video and article.

Protect your retirement while maintaining complete control over your care decisions. Whether Nationwide CareMatters II or another carrier is best for you, we'll help you make an informed choice based on comprehensive comparisons—not sales pressure.