A life well planned and executed is the thing to which we all aspire. Work hard, accumulate assets, and retire in comfort. Knowing everything went according to plan is the reality. For the rest of the world, truth is lurking right around the corner to smack you in the face.
Even those that have done an excellent job in their life. They had only considered the facts as they were when their plans were in place. The last election showed the world that the most unexpected things could happen despite your plans to the contrary (millions of Hillary fans are feeling that more than most as of late).
Long-Term Care And Medicaid Is Life-Changing
Getting old is hard enough. How about the fact the Long Term Care Insurance (LTC) market is about to change…and not for the better? How about the government safety net (Medicaid)? Is it about to do the same? How about that sick feeling you may now have? That your financial puzzle could unravel a lifetime of good planning?
Let’s take these one at a time. The LTC market has recently been shocked. The largest provider of traditional insurance (Genworth Financial) has responded to financial woes. They are selling out to a Chinese real estate company. That is looking to acquire US-based financial assets. This has sent earthquake-like ripples through the industry.
Financial Difficulties
Why? I will attempt to explain when a significant player has financial difficulties. It causes the other players to respond to protect themselves from similar challenges. Driving higher premiums, lower or reduced benefits, and or eliminating the product.
Financial institutions can only handle so much risk, which means the number of policyholders that could file a claim. As compared to how much money they have on hand and in reserve. If that gets out of balance, they must make adjustments like the ones mentioned to survive and benefit their customers.
What Can You Do To Protect Yourself
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First, get or hold on to an LTC policy. I hope the market can withstand/recover without increasing premiums or reducing benefits.
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Second, Give up coverage and let Medicaid (government-provided care) take care of you. The three problems with that are. It would be best to make yourself pour all your money or create a properly drafted trust. You must use ONLY those facilities that accept Medicaid. And the government usually seeks repayment from your estate of all funds spent on your behalf after you pass. These are pretty rough options. Medicaid is a terrific option only if you have few to no assets. But, keep in mind that Medicaid is one of those programs you never know what the government will do with and considering the current status of our national debt.
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Third, Research a specially crafted “hybrid” LTC policy. These policies offer all the benefits of traditional LTC. But you control the amount of coverage, and the benefit structure cannot change. If you need help, they are predetermined by the amount you contributed. Plus, what the insurance company provides on top. This comes out to anywhere from 1.5 to 5 times your contribution. As determined by each individual’s age and health status at the time of application.
Two Features Found In These Types Of Contracts
If you change your mind, you can get your original premium back within 6 – 10 years. Two, whatever amount of the value you do not use. Will pass to your heir’s federal income tax-free upon your death.
The most important thing is to talk to a professional. Which of these choices makes the most sense for your specific situation?
Doing nothing now will guarantee you will compromise your assets. And your ability to make choices later.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. 70% of adults aged 65 and over will need some form of long-term care in their lifetime. It seems like this is likely to be more of a story when not if.
Caregiving Consulting
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The Ultimate Caregiving Expert Consulting offers tools, services, and resources to give you a fresh, objective perspective on caregiving. This will help enhance your caregiving journey if you feel confined, overwhelmed, or hopeless in the role of caregiver.
Additional Education
Education in caregiving refers to acquiring the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary to provide care for individuals who require assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and grooming. This education can be obtained through formal programs or on-the-job training and experience. Education in caregiving aims to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide high-quality, compassionate care for those in need.
Caregiving can be challenging, frustrating, and highly stressful!
But . . . it doesn’t have to be that way.
Imagine . . .
- Giving care with expertise and confidence
- Managing your loved one’s daily activities in an organized and structured way
- You follow a proven caregiving system that provides for your loved one’s needs while giving you peace of mind.
If the above sounds like what you need and have been searching for desperately . . . Then you need to enroll in The Ultimate Secrets to Caregiving with LESS Stress and MORE peace course!
About the Author:
Greg Durette is a licensed life insurance broker. He has spent over 33 years working with individuals and businesses. He was teaching a better understanding of how to cut retirement risks and estates. With the use of different types of life insurance. Annuities, long-term care insurance, and disability insurance products and strategies. He is also the host of the `Wicked Insurance Matters with Greg Durette radio show. He is heard live every Wednesday from 9:30-10:00 am ET on BlogTalkRadio.com.
Greg’s contact info and social media links are on his website. www.FutureSecuredFinancial.com.
