American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance

The majority of individuals ask the wrong questions when they first start looking into long term care insurance planning.

Based on almost 20 years of calls to the offices of the national trade organization, the two leading questions posed relate to cost and ratings for a particular insurance company.  “Obviously these are very important pieces of information but they are the wrong questions to start the process,” explains Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, the national organization that advocates for long term care planning.

“Buying long term care insurance is like buying a car,” Slome explains.  “First, you want those features that are important to your particular needs and lifestyle.  Those ultimately determine what you pay.”  Starting by asking about price often yields insurance protection that won’t meet your particular situation or needs.  “Or, it could result in you paying more than you need to,” Slome adds.

To educate consumers the Association has posted an eight-minute video ‘Long Term Care Insurance Questions Before You Buy’ suggesting how to begin the process of investigating this protection.  “Maybe your dad or mom went along when you purchased your first car,” Slome notes.  “But that doesn’t happen when you buy insurance, so helping educate consumers will make the process easier and ultimately help more get better coverage at a better price.”

According to Slome many consumers give too much emphasis on the ratings of an insurance company.  “Ratings are important but they tell you nothing particular about the company’s long term care insurance protection,” the long term care insurance expert notes.  “You want to question such things as the number of policies sold as size is an indication of the company’s commitment and standing in the industry.”

The video shares three questions consumers should ask their agent about his or her knowledge of the industry.  “You don’t buy a car from a guy standing on the corner, you go to a dealer where there is an expectation of knowledge and professionalism,” Slome explains.  “The same level of expertise is vital when looking into long term care insurance policies.”

The Los Angeles-based American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance serves the public by educating Americans about the importance of planning for the risk of needing long term care.  Support for the organization comes primarily from insurance agents and brokers who specialize in the marketing of this protection.

For additional information on long term care insurance costs or to connect with a specialist member of the Association call (818) 597-3227 or visit the organization’s website.

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