LTC Insurance & Retirement Planning Resources — LTC Compare Now

Question 1

What is long-term care insurance?

Accepted Answer

Long-term care (LTC) insurance covers the cost of care services that help you with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, or eating — when you can no longer do them independently due to aging, illness, or injury. It typically covers care in your home, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home. Medicare will pay for a very limited time in very limited situations,.  Other than those few exceptions, with a long term care policy these costs are covered from your own savings.

Question 2

How much does long-term care actually cost?

Accepted Answer

Costs vary significantly by location and type of care. Nationally, the median annual cost of a private nursing home room exceeds $100,000. Home health aide services average around $60,000 per year. Assisted living facilities typically run $50,000–$70,000 annually. These costs have been rising faster than general inflation for decades.

Question 3

When is the right time to apply?

Accepted Answer

Ideally in your 50s or 60s — when you're still healthy enough to qualify and premiums are most affordable. That said, you can apply for most policies up to age 80. Waiting does increase premiums and the risk of being declined due to health conditions, so the sooner you explore your options, the better.

Question 4

What is a hybrid or linked-benefit policy?

Accepted Answer

A hybrid policy is a long term care insurance policy with a small life insurance component.  If you need care, the policy pays a monthly benefit amount that depends on your premium choice.  If you never need care, your beneficiaries receive a death benefit. Unlike traditional LTC insurance, hybrid policies don't have 'use it or lose it' concerns — your premium is never wasted.

Question 5

What is a lifetime income annuity?

Accepted Answer

A lifetime income annuity converts a lump sum of savings into a guaranteed monthly income stream you cannot outlive. It's essentially a private pension. Some annuities also include long-term care "doublers " where you double your monthly benefit if you need care — making them a powerful dual-purpose retirement tool.

Question 6

What are specialty plans like heart and cancer insurance?

Accepted Answer

Specialty plans pay a lump-sum or monthly benefit if you're diagnosed with a covered condition — such as a heart attack, stroke, or cancer. They're not a replacement for major medical insurance, but they fill the gap between what your health insurance covers and the true out-of-pocket costs of a serious illness, including lost income and non-medical expenses.

Question 7

Will Medicare or Medicaid cover my long-term care?

Accepted Answer

Medicare covers short-term skilled nursing care after a hospital stay, but it does not cover custodial care (help with daily activities) — which is the majority of long-term care. Medicaid does cover long-term care, but only after you've spent down nearly all of your assets. Planning ahead with private insurance protects your savings and gives you more control over your care.

Question 8

How does working with an independent broker benefit me?

Accepted Answer

An independent broker isn't tied to any single insurance company, so they can shop the entire market on your behalf. They compare policies, premiums, and benefit structures across multiple carriers to find the best fit for your health profile and budget. There's no extra cost to you — brokers are compensated by the insurance company, not by you.

Understand Your Options Before You Decide

Why This Matters

Key Topics to Understand

Traditional LTC Insurance

Hybrid / Linked-Benefit Policies

Annuities with LTC Riders

Specialty Health Plans

Product Brochures

Shopper's Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance

SmartCare

Care Matters II

Secure Care IV

Asset Care

Long-Term Care Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

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