American Association For Long-Term Care Insurance

Americans are living longer and chances are you'll live well into your 80s, your 90s and possibly even longer.

When you live a long life, the probability you'll need long-term care is greatly increased. But, younger people also need this type of care as a result of accidents or illnesses.

Long-term health care is generally not covered by medical insurance, by Medicare supplement plans or group insurance. For seniors on Medicare, the long-term care benefits are quite limited -- especially compared to the potential cost of a debilitating disease like Alzheimer's or just the greater need for months or years of care that occurs as we age.

That is why a growing number of Americans have purchased long-term care insurance that pays for home care, for assisted living or for care in a nursing home. Some 8.25 million Americans have this protection obtained either on an individual basis or through a plan offered by their employer, a group or association they belong to.

The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance was established to help educate individuals about this important issue and to support insurance and financial professionals who market this protection.

Our Consumer Information Center offers the most current information on coverage including costs and prices, ways to reduce the cost, tax deductibility rules and listings and ratings for leading long term care insurance companies. Insurance and financial professionals can access marketing and sales information from leading industry experts.

The three questions we are asked most often is, how much does coverage cost, are there ways to save and what's the best age to start planning?

Costs can vary quite significantly depending on your age when you apply, your health when you apply and how much coverage you want. Costs can also vary from one insurer to another--by as much as 80 percent per year.

Taking advantage of discounts and savings can make your long-term care insurance far more affordable than you think. For example, discounts are offered when two spouses apply. Some insurers will offer discounts to partners living together or a partial discount when only one person is covered. Again, the discounts can vary from one insurer to another. There are ways singles or those living alone can reduce the cost.

Each year the Association surveys insurers to determine ages for those purchasing coverage. For individuals purchasing coverage, some 5% did so between ages 35 and 44. Some 24% between ages 45 and 54. Some 53% between ages 55 and 64. The rest, 16% were age 65 or older. Costs increase based on your age. But the ability to health-qualify is what matters most.

The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance does not market or sell insurance but our members do and we strongly encourage you to contact one in your area or to fill out or free quote request so that one may connect with you. They can provide you with information, advice on planning and costs for insurance coverage -- without any obligation.

We believe it always pays to speak with a professional because:
Costs for long-term care insurance can vary among insurers,
Discounts can vary from one insurer to another,
Acceptable health conditions can vary,
Covered care and policy benefits can vary.

There is a wealth of information available on the Association's website. But nothing can ever replace speaking directly with a knowledgeable professional.