Founded in 1966, EquiTrust manages over $33 billion in assets and has built a reputation for innovation and financial strength.

Unique Long-Term Care Solution: The Bridge®

In 2022, EquiTrust introduced the Bridge®—a fixed index annuity combined with a long-term care rider and wellness program. The product is now available in every state except California, Connecticut, Indiana, and New York.

The Bridge® is a single-premium product (although a policyholder can add additional premium later if they desire) offering both tax-deferred growth and a separate long-term care benefit account that grows at a guaranteed 2% compounded annually.

What sets this product apart is guaranteed issue coverage, available regardless of the applicant’s health.

A True Hybrid Policy That Meets Federal Guidelines

The Bridge® qualifies under IRC §7702B(b) as a tax-qualified long-term care insurance contract, meaning:

• It follows federal benefit trigger regulations,
• Offers consumer protections,
• Provides tax-free long-term care benefits paid directly to the policyholder.

Note: Policies regulated under Section 101(g) may include chronic illness riders but are not considered Long-Term Care Insurance by federal law and cannot be marketed as such. These contracts lack the full suite of consumer protections and tax benefits of true Long-Term Care Insurance policies.

Types Of Long-Term Care Insurance Policies & Which is Best For You.

Bridge® Features and Benefits

• Guaranteed Issue: One-time premium; no ongoing payments required. Acceptance is guaranteed regardless of health.
• Simple Underwriting: Applicants complete a short video-based interview. No medical records are required. Health, cognitive status, and functional abilities determine the policy class and initial long-term care benefit amount.
• Five-Year Vesting Schedule: You’re covered from day one, but full long-term care benefits vest over five years. Partial benefits are available if care is needed earlier.
• Growth Potential: Premium grows through the annuity’s indexed performance. If LTC benefits are never used, value builds tax-deferred.
• Flexible Premiums: Choose initial funding between $50,000 and $1,000,000. You can add premium later to increase benefits.
• Cash Indemnity Benefits: LTC benefits are paid in full, in cash, once eligibility is met—no receipts or billing are required.
• Comprehensive Care Coverage: Pays for all types of care—home care, adult day care, assisted living, memory care, and nursing home.
• Inflation Protection: The long-term care benefit account grows at a guaranteed 2% compounded annually.
• Simple Claims Process: Benefits are paid directly to the policyholder without receipts or invoices.

Most Long-Term Care Insurance specialists highlight the guaranteed acceptance feature as a major advantage—especially for individuals who may not qualify for traditional LTC Insurance or another hybrid type of long-term care solution.

Underwriting Made Simple

The Bridge® underwriting approach allows you to:

• Lock-in guaranteed long-term care protection regardless of your health status.
• Potentially qualify for higher benefits if you're in good health.
• Avoid underwriting rejections, which are possible due to more conservative medical screening in standalone and hybrid LTC Insurance.

Even if another insurer has declined you for long-term care coverage, EquiTrust will approve your application through the guaranteed issue route.

Indexed Annuity Investment Options

Your premium is not invested in the stock market. Instead, it grows based on the performance of one or more market indices. Your principal is protected—you can’t lose value due to market downturns.

Crediting Strategy Options:

• S&P 500® 1-Year Point-to-Point with Cap
• Interest is credited based on S&P 500 growth, capped annually (e.g., 8%).
• Barclays Focus50 Index (Participation Rate)
• No cap. You earn a percentage of the index gain.
• S&P MARC 5% ER Index
• A diversified index with more stable returns.
• Fixed Account Option
• Earns a guaranteed interest rate.

You can split funds between strategies and reallocate annually.

Not a Partnership Policy

Because The Bridge® is a hybrid product, it does not qualify as a state/federal Long-Term Care Partnership policy. Only traditional LTC Insurance may provide dollar-for-dollar asset protection through partnership programs.

To learn more, see: What is a Long-Term Care Partnership Policy?

State-Specific Cost Information

To estimate future long-term care costs in your area and see available tax incentives and provider options, visit the LTC News Cost of Care Calculator.

Help With Claims

If you own an EquiTrust policy and need help filing a claim, LTC News offers free, no-obligation assistance, including help locating care providers. Most insurance agents and financial advisors are not equipped to guide families through the claim process—LTC News with our partnership with AmadaSenior Care is and our help is free without obligation - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.

Shopping for Long-Term Care Insurance?

LTC Insurance is regulated at both the state and federal levels. Pricing, features, and underwriting can vary widely between companies. Agents and advisors cannot offer discounts that aren’t approved by the state insurance department.

Use LTC News resources to educate yourself and find the best solution.

Work with a licensed Long-Term Care Insurance specialist who:

• Represents multiple top-rated companies,
• Can match you with the best product for your health, age, and budget,
• Understands all the features and benefits, claims process, and tax benefits of Long-Term Care Insurance.

Even if your health is poor, The Bridge® offers a way to get coverage and protect your loved ones from the high cost of care.