Long-Term Care Insurance is highly regulated, but premiums and underwriting criteria can vary dramatically between companies. While policies typically share core benefits, they are not all the same. Most insurance agents and financial advisors know very little about designing a policy because the industry and the product features evolve rapidly.

Generally, no. Tax-qualified Long-Term Care Insurance benefits come to you tax-free. Insurance companies that pay long-term care insurance benefits are required by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide claimants with a 1099 LTC.

No, most of the time, Long-Term Care Insurance is very affordable. However, it can be more expensive if you are older or have significant health issues. Premiums can vary over 100% between insurance companies for the same benefits. Plus, Long-Term Care Insurance is highly regulated by both the states and the federal government.

If you own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, your benefits will follow you when you move. Some companies also offer international benefits. However, if you think you will move, consider the costs of care in that location when designing the policy.

Few people like to buy insurance but are there other options to plan for future long-term health care? There are several ways to prepare, but few may work in your situation.

Very few LTC Insurance companies have pre-existing health exclusions. You need to have reasonably good health to obtain coverage. You don't need to have perfect health.

The last thing you want is to own a Long-Term Care policy, start to have your health decline, and then have the company cancel the policy. Luckily, this can't happen. There are many rules and consumer protections in place which will give you and your family peace of mind.

Unless you have lived through a long-term health care event with a family member, you may not be aware that your health insurance or Medicare will not pay for extended care. Medicaid is the medical welfare program, and you must have little or no income and assets to qualify.

Many consumers turn to their financial advisor about long-term care planning but may not be getting the best advice or accurate information. A better approach to planning for long-term care is working with an industry specialist. There are not many true specialists that represent the major companies; finding one will help you save money.

The first thing most people want to know is how much does Long-Term Care Insurance cost. Good question, but it requires some effort to get an accurate answer.

There are more Long-Term Care Insurance options available today than ever before. How do you compare these options and insurance companies?

The best Long-Term Care Insurance policy is the one that is paying benefits when you need care in the future. The process can be easier if you understand the steps and seek professional help. LTC NEWS can even provide you with free, no-obligation assistance with this process.

Not everyone has the budget for complete Long-Term Care Insurance coverage. Is a smaller plan worth your time and effort? A smaller policy will help reduce the burden and anxiety placed on your family while providing you with quality care choices.

If you knew when your health would change or the day and time you would need long-term health care, you would then know when you should purchase a Long-Term Care policy. You don't know. Since your health can change without notice, the best time to plan is when you are younger and healthier.

Some people think Long-Term Care Insurance will only pay for nursing homes. Not true. Today's Long-Term Care Insurance is comprehensive and covers all types of care, including in-home care. You get to decide how you use benefits once you qualify for them.

There are many parts to a long-term care insurance policy. Let’s review the items a majority of long-term care insurance plans include.

Today, Long-Term Care Insurance is comprehensive, covering all types of care options, including in-home care. There are more choices today than ever before.

Can you exhaust all the benefits in a Long-Term Care Insurance policy? Maybe. There are still unlimited benefit plans available; most LTC Insurance creates a benefit account that increases with inflation. LTC Insurance is custom designed.

What happens to unused Long-Term Care Insurance benefits if you never need care? You and your family are probably grateful that you never had to go through what so many others go through. Can your family get the money back?

Long-Term Care Insurance often has a benefit period; however, it usually is not a time limit that defines the amount of care you will be able to receive. The benefit period helps calculate the amount of money in your policy at any given time.

Partnership policies look and act the same as any other long-term care policies. However, they provide additional asset protection as a reward for people who have planned in advance for the cost of long-term care.

When you apply for Long-Term Care Insurance, the insurance company will review your health and family history to determine eligibility. There are health issues that prevent you from obtaining coverage. However, every company has its own underwriting rules, and a specialist can match you with the right company.

Not everyone needs Long-Term Care Insurance, although for most American families having a plan offering guaranteed tax-free benefits for their choice of quality care will protect savings and ease family stress.

These increases are primarily on those “legacy products” that were developed and sold under old rules and old assumptions. Today’s Long-Term Care Insurance is much more rate stable.

Some consumers get frustrated that they have to speak with an agent to get quotes for Long-Term Care Insurance. However, LTC insurance is medically underwritten and custom-designed. Questions must be asked.

This might be one of the most asked questions by consumers. This might be due to many articles written about older “legacy products” that were sold decades ago prior to rate stabilization rules and the interest rate crash.