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Step-Down

What Does 'Step-Down' Mean?

A policyholder can reduce the monthly or daily benefit, or the total pool of money the policy will pay or increase the elimination period.

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Step-down is a Long-Term Care Insurance feature that allows policyholders to reduce their coverage for a lower premium. 

For example, a policyholder could reduce their benefits in three main ways. 

  • Reduce their monthly or daily benefit.

  • Reduce their maximum lifetime benefit pool (the total benefits within the account). 

  • Increase the days in the elimination period (this would further delay care coverage).

All policyholders have the right to step-down (reduce coverage) at any time for any reason. It's encouraged to consider stepping down before lapsing coverage.