"Individuals who purchase protection at younger ages are far more likely to qualify for significant savings offered to those who meet health qualifications," Slome explains, "and now the data confirms that some of these younger policyholders will actually receive benefits from their protection as a result of an accident or illness."

Six of the nation's leading insurers shared data for their youngest policyholders receiving claim benefits in 2007. One such claimant was 32-year-old; fell and injured their knee requiring several surgeries and months of rehabilitation. After six months on claim (receiving care in their home) they recovered fully. Another individual (currently 39) has been on claim for over four years due to Parkinson's disease. The youngest individual on claim (individual LTCi policy) was age-25 upon submission of the initial claim payment. The youngest group (employer-sponsored) plan participant on claim is 23.

"The 2008 LTCi Sourcebook is a simple-to-use resource that contains the most vital information any producer or LTCi professional needs," Slome notes. Copies of the 2008 LTCi Sourcebook are provided at no charge to members of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance. Non-members may order a copy by calling (818) 597-3227 or by mailing payment ($59) to AALTCI-Sourcebook, 3835 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Ste 336, Westlake Village, CA 91362.