Majority Of Long-Term Care Insurance Claims Begin After Age 80

The vast majority of individuals who own a long-term care insurance policy initiate claims for policy benefits after age 80 according to a just-released study conducted by the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI).

“When you live a long life the likelihood of needing long-term care increases dramatically and having insurance protection can be of enormous value,” explains Jesse Slome, director of AALTCI.  “While the vast majority of claims first begin at older ages, insurance coverage must be obtained when you are young enough to still health qualify.”

The Association just released results of a study of leading long-term care insurance companies.  According to the findings, some 72.5 percent of claims that began in 2017 were for policyholders age 80 and over.   “Almost half of that (22.0%) were for policyholders who were age 90 or older,” Slome notes.

According to AALTCI, just over one in five claims (20.5%) began when policyholders were between ages 70 and 79.  Policyholders between ages 60 and 69 initiated some 5.5 percent of newly opened claims.

There are many misconceptions about long-term care insurance Slome points out.  “Many consumers think they are spending money for something they’ll never need or use,” Slome points out.  “That may be true, but if you live into your 80s, 90s or beyond, the chances that you’ll need care are enormously high and the hundreds of thousands of Americans who receive claim benefits from their policy each year are a testament to the enormous value this special insurance protection provides.”

The survey reported that one percent of new claims were started by policyholders between the ages of 50 and 59.  “While few in number, younger people can need long-term care often because of an accident or illness,” Slome explained.

To learn more about long-term care insurance costs and planning options call the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance at 818-597-3227 or visit the organization’s website at www.aaltci.org to find and connect with local LTC insurance professionals

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