There are a number options and riders available on today's modern Long Term Care insurance (LTCi) plans.  Availability of some of these options/riders can vary depending on which state you live in, and which LTCi plan you are considering.  Some options are built into some comprehensive plans, but may be offered as optional riders for the "no-frills" plans.

Inflation Benefits:  Topping the list of "The Best Riders" is certainly your choice of  INFLATION BENEFIT RIDERS.  An inflation benefit is very important and should be considered first, before adding other benefit options or riders. 

Other options and riders include:

Shared Benefits:  This rider allows partners/spouses to share each other's benefits if one person runs out of benefits.  See "How to Choose a Benefit Period" for more information.  Not available for individuals.

Restoration Of Benefits:  If you receive care paid for by your LTCi policy, then you have used some of your total Benefit Period available.  This rider restores your Benefit Period to the original amount purchased, if you do not receive further care for a period if 180 days (6 months).  Best if you are an individual considering the purchase of a 2yr, 3yr, or 4yr benefit period.  Not suggested for longer Benefit Periods, and not available for policies with "unlimited" Benefit Period. 

Waiver of Home Health Care Elimination (deductible) Period:  Changes the deductible to "0" days for Home and Community Care (1st day benefits).  In general, this rider also allows that any benefit days used for this care also count towards the deductible for facility care.  Popular, cost-effective rider for individuals and couples who choose 60 day or longer deductible (elimination) periods.

Survivorship Benefit:  For couples/partners only.  If one partner dies after 10 years of coverage without using benefits, the other partner pays no further premiums for their lifetime.  Useful for younger, healthy couples whose income would significantly decrease upon the death of one partner.