Most Consumers Purchase Long-Term Care Insurance in Their 50s

Decades ago, few people were aware of Long-Term Care Insurance. Today, most people are aware of the product and the consequences of changing health and aging. 

Long-Term Care Insurance pays for the care you need to help with daily activities due to an illness, accident, or the impact of aging. Some people need ongoing semi-skilled or skilled medical services as well. Plus, millions of people suffer from the decline in their memory due to dementia, including Alzheimer's. LTC Insurance pays for the supervisory dementia care these people need. 

Health insurance, which includes Medicare and supplements, won't pay for most of this care, leaving the financial burden on the family. Medicaid is available for some people; however, you must have little or no income and assets to qualify. 

In many cases, unpaid, untrained, and unprepared family members, often daughters or daughters-in-law, become default caregivers. They must find a way to juggle their career and family with the new role of caregiver for mom or dad. 

In fact, over 53 million family caregivers are providing care today - Unpaid Family Caregivers Now Total 53 Million People | LTC News

That leaves Long-Term Care Insurance. Many people have plans and are using their plans to maintain independence.

In 2020 over $11.6 Billion was paid to American families in Long-Term Care Insurance benefits. These benefits help provide care in any setting, including in-home care. LTC Insurance gives your loved ones the time to be family and not caregivers. You will also have access to your choice of quality care in all settings. 

Long-Term Care Insurance is medically underwritten and priced based on the age you obtain coverage, in addition to your health, family history, and the amount of benefits you purchase.

Today, most buyers of Long-Term Care Insurance are in their 50s - Majority of LTC Insurance Buyers are in Their 50s | LTC News 

You might read that premiums for Long-Term Care Insurance are expensive. The fact is they are very affordable if you purchase a plan younger and when you still enjoy good health Are Long-Term Care Insurance Policies Expensive? | LTC News 

Today, there are many options to plan for the costs and burdens that come with getting older and changing health. There are several types of products to choose from, and all of them are custom designed.

Be sure to work with a qualified specialist who works with the top companies. With over 20 years of experience and thousands of clients nationwide, I help families find the best coverage at the best value.

Shop the top companies from one trusted source. Get free and accurate quotes along with professional recommendations - Quote (mccannltc.net)

Family Caregivers Can Face Years of Work.

You might think your family could become your future caregiver decades from now since you might only need a few months of care. The problem is - it could last for years. Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance policy gives the family time to be family. 

The AARP says caregiving plays a significant role for many Americans. More than 65 million people, 29% of the U.S. population, provide care for an older family member or other chronically ill or disabled people.

The value of the services these family caregivers provide for "free" when caring for older adults is estimated to be $375 billion a year. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and Evercare, that is almost twice as much as is actually spent on in-home and nursing home services combined ($158 billion).

Don't place the responsibility of caregiving on your family. Family caregivers face physical and emotional distress. Paid care is expensive. Planning for the costs and burdens of aging is an essential part of retirement planning.

Read more here.

According to the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator, the costs of paid care services continue to grow every year. Find both the current and future costs of long-term health care where you live by clicking here.

The best time to shop for Long-Term Care Insurance is before retirement, ideally in your 40s or 50s. Get free and accurate quotes from all the major companies by clicking here.

Have You Been Told You Don't Need Long-Term Care Insurance?

Who has your ear? Friends? Family? Financial Advisor? Co-workers? Everyone has an opinion, but often, those opinions are not based on facts or common sense.

In the decades ahead, you will experience changes in your health, body, and mind. Many of these changes will mean you will need help with daily living activities. Sometimes you may suffer memory loss and need to be supervised. 

The people who tell you that you do not need a future long-term health care plan will not become your caregivers. These people will not pay for your care either. The time for you to take charge and prepare for the costs and burdens of longevity is now - ideally before you retire in your 40s or 50s.

Read more by clicking here.

The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future cost of extended health care where you live - click here.

You can learn more from my website: www.mccannltc.net

Get free and accurate quotes from all the major companies by clicking here.

Don’t Be Misled, Today’s Long-Term Care Insurance is Affordable for American Families

Recent news articles about Long-Term Care Insurance are, at best, a bit misleading according to a nationally known specialist.

"There seems to be a rash of articles, some by well-known publications, which are scaring people about premiums and the cost of Long-Term Care Insurance," said Matt McCann.

He says some writers keep talking about policies sold decades ago before the new rules. They often quote financial advisers or general insurance agents which have limited knowledge about these products and how they get used.

"Today's Long-Term Care Insurance is much different and regulated differently than in the past. Plus, for most people who buy these plans in their 40s or 50s, the premiums are very affordable," he explained.

McCann, speaking to financial advisers and insurance agents, explained today's Long-Term Care Insurance is generally very affordable. Policies today are also rate stable, unlike the legacy products sold decades ago before rate stabilization rules and priced before the interest rate crash.  

"While this doesn't mean there is no chance of a future premium increase that risk is dramatically reduced. There are also hybrid or limited pay options which can't have an increase. A specialist can help a consumer decide which type of plan is best for their situation," McCann said.

Most people buying Long-Term Care Insurance from specialists are under age 65 with the majority in their 50s. At these ages, you can find outstanding value. This allows people to plan for the financial costs and burdens of aging.

Caregiving is hard on family members so most people want to avoid placing their adult children into the position of having to be a caregiver. But paid care is expensive and adversely impacts income and lifestyle. McCann says people want to plan for a successful future retirement and Long-Term Care Insurance is an easy, affordable solution for many American families.

"Most of my clients find coverage around $150 a month depending on their age, health, and the total amount of benefits applied for. Some are less and some are more. Long-Term Care Insurance is custom designed. Since the cost of care does vary from one location to another, the policy designs vary dramatically.," McCann explained.

He said it is important to speak with a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist who represents the major companies and understands how these plans get used at the time of claim.

"For example, here in Oklahoma City, the average cost of home care today runs about $46,000 a year, or about $3800 a month. Base assisted-living runs about $3400 a month with additional charges based on the amount of care you require. Skilled nursing home costs average $5500 a month, although this is the least used level of care but the most expensive. A specialist would design a much different plan for a person here than if they lived in New Jersey, for example," McCann said.

McCann said a specialist will ask many questions about a consumer's health, family history, retirement plans, and finances to design an appropriate plan.

If you do wait until you are older there are affordable alternative options which include short-duration policies which provide a limited amount of coverage but at a lower cost. The underwriting criteria is also broader so some people who might not be eligible for traditional Long-Term Care Insurance could qualify for these more limited plans.

McCann also said there are special Long-Term Care annuities available. If you have an old annuity which you are not using for income it can be exchanged on a tax-free basis. You get additional tax-free long-term care benefits when you require care, otherwise, a majority or even all your money is returned to your estate at the time of death depending on your age and benefit design.

McCann also notes that few articles discuss the Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership Program. If your state participates you can obtain dollar-for-dollar asset protection with a qualified policy.

Find your state to see if participates, as well as the current and future cost of care services and available tax advantages by clicking here:  https://www.ltcnews.com/resources/state-information.

McCann helps consumers nationwide using a unique approach where he speaks with a consumer on the phone while they view his computer screen on their computer. This provides a pressure-free way to learn about these products and their various options available from the many companies available. 

He also works with many financial advisers helping them assist their clients. 

Consumers can learn more about long-term care planning at https://mccannltc.net/resources/faq. On his website, there is a link to obtain free quotes from all the major companies.

Big Retirement Secret Revealed: Long-Term Care Partnership Program

American is getting older. Generation X and Late Boomers are aging in mass and joining the remaining Baby Boomers who are still enjoying longevity. If you are age 40 and older you better have a solid plan to enjoy a successful future retirement. However, too many American families ignore perhaps the biggest challenge, how to address the high costs and burdens that come with getting older.

Speaking to financial professionals in Grand Rapids, Matt McCann, a nationally known specialist in Long-Term Care Insurance and long-term care planning, said too many insurance agents and financial advisers are unaware of an easy and affordable way to protect a family’s savings from the costs of long-term health care.

“Many Americans, including those who should know, are unaware of the Long-Term Care Partnership Program. 44 states have active programs in place. If an individual owns a qualified partnership Long-Term Care Insurance policy, they are eligible for dollar-for-dollar asset protection. This means the policy owners will never be forced to exhaust all their assets even if they exhaust all their insurance benefits. This allows financial professionals to design a very affordable policy which safeguards the consumer’s assets. Since these policies are custom designed, you can design a plan that directly matches their financial position,” McCann said.

McCann said while too many people are fixated on crazy events in Washington, both consumers and professional insurance agents and financial advisors need to keep their eye on retirement planning. Since the risk of needing long-term care services are high and get bigger with age, it is essential to put a plan in place before retirement.

“We must explore all the facts. Most of us are aware that planning for retirement is essential to do in advance. For people in their 40s and 50s, they better have concrete plans in place and if they don’t, they should work toward that goal right away. We also need to understand longevity is a big obstacle. With aging comes the increased risk of needing long-term care services. Without a plan in place these extended care costs will be paid out of income and savings or your family will become caregivers. Perhaps both. There is a better solution,” McCann explained.

According to McCann, additional government solutions for long-term care are not on the horizon. Two government programs exist for long-term care. Medicaid provides benefits for those with little or no assets. While he explains that there might be some expansion of how that care might be delivered, no additional benefits will be provided.

“The federal government has already run these numbers on a bi-partisan basis. Despite what some candidates might say, the cost of expanding long-term care benefits are too great. Medicaid will continue to be here for those who need it. However, Medicaid is never the goal or the solution for most American families,” McCann said.

The biggest secret in retirement planning, according to McCann, is the partnership program.

“Too many people are unaware of the power of this program. Too many people think Long-Term Care Insurance is expensive. Too many financial professionals don’t have a solid understanding of these products and how to design affordable plans,” McCann said.

McCann urged financial advisers and general insurance agents to team-up with Long-Term Care Insurance specialists who have a solid understanding of product features, underwriting standards, and claims.

“This will give more American families access to their choice of quality care, asset protection, and peace-of-mind. By working with a specialist, American families will see how easy and affordable these plans can be. They will not only safeguard savings and income but reduce the tremendous stress and burden otherwise placed on family members,” McCann explained.

McCann urged to not allow news events to paralyze their planning that they really need to get set in place. He said the best time to start planning is well before retirement, in your 40s and 50s, when premiums are low and the most options are available to choose from.

“We must understand that we must live our lives no matter what craziness is going on in Washington or anywhere in the world. We are responsible for our families, not anyone else,” McCann said.

McCann said research should start with finding the current and future cost of long-term care services in your area. This calculator will be very helpful:  https://www.ltcnews.com/resources/states.

McCann assists consumers nationwide using a unique method where he speaks with a consumer on the telephone while viewing his computer screen on their computer. This provides a pressure-free way to learn about these products and their various options available from the many companies available. He also works with many financial advisers helping them assist their clients.

Consumers can learn more about long-term care planning at https://mccannltc.net/resources/faq. On his website, there is a link to obtain free quotes from all the major companies.  

Crazy Events in Washington Shouldn’t Force You to Ignore Retirement Planning

It is hard to ignore the news of the day. No matter what your personal view, allowing the news to consume your time is not good for you, especially if you ignore planning for long-term care and retirement planning.

"We get glued to our smartphones, computers and TV and radio news programs. Too often this paralyzes people from making decisions they should be making. Take a step back and really try to understand what is noise and what is important," said Matt McCann, a nationally known speaker and specialist in long-term care planning.

McCann, speaking to insurance agents and financial advisers in Wichita, said too many people allow events in the news to stop them from making decisions that they should be making so they can enjoy a future successful retirement. The news is a great excuse to delay and defer. However, that is the worst thing you can be doing right now.

"Explore the facts. First, we all understand that planning for retirement is something we all should be doing, especially if we are in our 40s and 50s and have not put concrete plans in place. Second, we know longevity is a big obstacle. With aging comes the big risk of needing long-term care. We better have a plan for the financial costs and burdens of aging otherwise you will either pay for all these costs yourself or your family will become caregivers. Neither is a good solution," McCann explained.

McCann outlined several facts consumers, and their advisers, should understand:

• Government solutions will not change much. McCann said as he speaks with experts in Washington on both sides of the aisle, big changes in healthcare – especially long-term care are not happening.

"It is unrealistic to see the major changes some presidential candidates are speaking about to become law even if they win an election. The experts have already run the numbers. While some minor changes might occur, long-term care will not see any beyond what is available now. We have Medicaid, which will pay for long-term care for the poor. Then we have the Long-Term Care Partnership program which provides consumers with additional dollar-for-dollar asset protection if they have a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance policy. Also, tax incentives exist which help some people and business owners. Health Savings Accounts might be expanded. This allows people to use pre-tax money to pay for premiums," McCann explained.

• Demographics will continue to increase the cost of long-term care services and supports. McCann said as Generation X and Late-Boomers continue to age in mass, with the remaining Baby Boomers will aging, the pressure on the long-term care system will increase. With younger demographics being smaller that supply and demand will increase care costs.

• The family will continue to face the pressure of having careers, families and having to address the needs of both their children and their elderly parents. McCann said the "sandwich generation" is a real thing. Most people really don't want to place the burden of caregiving on their family. Plus, they want independence and control. You can avoid this family stress with advance planning prior to retirement.

• Advances in medical science will continue to increase longevity and the future need for long-term care. McCann explained that just getting older can cause a need for help with normal activities of daily living. With aging comes the higher risk of cognitive decline as well.

• The insurance industry will continue to design affordable ways to address the financial costs and burdens of aging. There are several options already, according to McCann. These include traditional and partnership qualified plans, asset-based or "hybrid plans" (life insurance or annuities with riders for long-term care) and limited duration plans. But McCann says it is incumbent on us to take advantage of these plans which give us access to your choice of quality care as we protect savings and income and reduce the burden on those we love.

"We must understand that we must live our lives no matter what craziness is going on in Washington or anywhere in the world. We are responsible for our families. It is easy to be consumed with things in the news but that should not take away from our responsibility for our families. Planning for long-term care is all about family. It is easy and affordable but we must take advantage of planning when our health gives you the availability of the most affordable options," McCann said.

McCann said research should start with finding the current and future cost of long-term care services in your area. This calculator will be very helpful:  https://www.ltcnews.com/resources/states.

McCann helps consumers nationwide using a unique method where he speaks with a consumer on the telephone while viewing his computer screen on their computer. This provides a pressure-free way to learn about these products and their various options available from the many companies available.

He also works with many financial advisors helping them assist their clients.

Consumers can learn more about long-term care planning at https://mccannltc.net/resources/faq. On his website, there is a link to obtain free quotes from all the major companies.  

Many Consumers Unaware of Special Partnership Long-Term Care Plans

The presidential campaigns have started in full force. With many candidates talking about single payer health programs the question about how that might impact long-term care is coming up. Too many people are unaware of a unique program available right now in most states.

The Federal/State Long-Term Care Partnership Program does not get the attention it deserves. Most Americans are unaware this government partnership program is available in most states. It provides American families with additional “dollar-for-dollar" asset protection from the tremendously high costs of long-term care services and supports. Since so many American families are impacted by the financial costs and burdens of aging, planning for long-term care is essential in preserving assets so American families can enjoy a future successful retirement.

Recently I was speaking in Phoenix about the need for long-term care planning. Longevity has become a huge issue. Many presidential candidates are talking about government control of health care in the United States. Some even suggest long-term care should be part of it. This will not happen but there is a government program many people are unaware of what will benefit many American families that don’t want to place the burden of caregiving on their children or risk draining their assets on paid caregivers.

The Long-Term Care Partnership Program provides many Americans outstanding benefits as they plan their future retirements. This is on top of the benefits these policies already provide. In 2018 alone the major insurance companies paid over $10.3 billion in Long-Term Care Insurance benefits. In addition, many policies provide case management which help families develop appropriate plans of care and find good providers which meet their needs.

Read the full story here: https://www.expertclick.com/NewsRelease/Consumers-Unaware-of-Available-LongTerm-Care-Plan,2019180295.aspx

Most states participate. These special Long-Term Care Insurance policies are providing consumers additional dollar-for-dollar asset protection when they purchase a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance policy. The program is a joint federal-state program which allows a person to shelter part of their estate equal to the amount their Long-Term Care policy paid in benefits and still qualify for Medicaid's long-term care benefit.  Normally, a person must have little or no assets in order to access the Medicaid long-term care benefit.

This is really a game changer for the middle class and the upper middle class. It gives you the peace-of-mind knowing you will always have access to your choice of quality long-term care services and supports without risking your life savings. Since these policies are custom designed, you can purchase a smaller plan protecting all or a large portion of your savings at a very affordable price.

The Obama administration toyed with the idea of long-term care when they put together their "Obamacare" program. However, administration actuaries at the Department of Health and Human Services urged the White House to drop the idea because of cost and the White House heeded the advice.