Definition:
Underwriting
The process whereby the insurance carrier reviews an individual's health status prior to issuance of a policy in order to determine if they are eligible for coverage. Underwriting for Long-Term Care Insurance generally involves one or more of the following: completion by the applicant of a medical questionnaire, review of applicant's medical records, a telephone interview by a nurse or health aid including a cognitive test, an in-home physical and cognitive assessment by a nurse or health aide.