Life Care Plan vs. Future Cost Projection
Life Care Plan
Comprehensive itemized care plan following IALCP/IARP standards with frequencies, durations, and costs across the lifespan (International Academy of Life Care Planners, 2022).
Learn more about Life Care Plan →Future Medical Cost Projection
Simpler projection of future medical costs that does not follow full life care planning methodology.
Learn more about Future Medical Cost Projection →| Dimension | Life Care Plan | Future Medical Cost Projection |
|---|---|---|
| Methodology | IALCP/IARP standards, treating-team grounded | Variable; often summary of treating-physician testimony |
| Scope | Medical + non-medical categories across lifespan | Typically medical categories only |
| Preparer | CLCP | Sometimes physician or economist |
| Defensibility | Methodology-driven; grounded in published life-care-planning standards | Variable, depends on author and method |
When to use Life Care Plan
Prefer a full life care plan when damages include long-term care across multiple categories.
When to use Future Medical Cost Projection
A simpler projection may suffice when the scope is limited to a single medical category or short horizon.
Where they overlap
Both project future costs. The life care plan provides comprehensive, methodology-grounded coverage across the full scope of needs (Weed & Berens, 2018).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a future cost projection admissible without a CLCP?
In some cases, where a physician can quantify projected care costs. Broader projections typically require a CLCP.
References
- International Academy of Life Care Planners. (2022). Standards of practice for life care planners (4th ed.). International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals. member.aanlcp.orgOrganization
- Weed, R. O., & Berens, D. E. (Eds.). (2018). Life care planning and case management handbook (4th ed.). Routledge. doi.orgPeer-Reviewed
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