How Covid Affected the Landscape of Long-Term Care

This article was originally published here

The average life expectancy has risen to over 78 throughout the United States, considerably influencing how citizens care for themselves into their golden years. With an influx of aging Americans, the number of people needing long-term care has increased and will only continue to do so. There are near-limitless ways to save for retirement, including 401(k)s, IRAs, HSAs, and more. Long-term care insurance is another way in which retirees can enjoy coverage for in-home care, adult daycare, and more due to chronic health conditions. If you have considered long-term care insurance for yourself or a loved one, there are various questions and considerations before taking the plunge.

The COVID pandemic has dramatically impacted every facet of our world, including health insurance. The rising costs were partly due to the increased pressure and the changing regulations required to keep everyone safe and healthy. In 2020 especially, it was difficult for insurance companies to offer guarantees alongside solutions, which also caused insurance costs to skyrocket. As time marches on, we can expect premiums to increase for new policies, price increases for existing policies, and additional difficulties in attempting to get insurance coverage.

There are many reasons to invest in long-term care insurance, especially when it comes to your age and overall health. If you are currently in excellent health, and getting adequate coverage through a solid plan, chances are your rate will be lower compared to that of others in poor health. Maybe you have recently become a parent or are looking to provide a safety net for yourself and your children. Take time to read the fine print of everything involved with your chosen long-term insurance plan to avoid “use it or lose it” clauses within fine print sections.

Once you begin shopping for long-term care insurance, you will find many policy options that provide death benefits or a cash value upon your death. Essentially, if you find yourself needing care, you will enjoy the necessary coverage or care. However, should you never utilize these benefits, your loved ones can reap the benefits upon your death, highlighting the importance of adding the desired beneficiaries to your plan.

What other details affect your premiums and suitable long-term care insurance options? Gender can affect coverage and cost, although married couples often enjoy lowered premiums due to a marital discount. On the other hand, single women typically pay higher premiums since they experience a long life expectancy compared to their male counterparts and have a higher chance of utilizing said insurance.

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