Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI)

How Much Long-Term Care Insurance Do You Really Need?

Plan smart. Protect what matters.

There’s No One-Size-Fits-All

When it comes to long-term care insurance, the right amount of coverage depends on your lifestyle, finances, health, and future plans. Everyone’s needs are different — and that’s why a personalized approach is key.

Your long-term care plan should fit into your overall retirement strategy, helping you maintain control over your care and protecting your savings from being depleted by unexpected expenses.

Key Factors to Consider

Protecting Your Assets

Long-term care costs can quickly add up, and relying on savings alone can put your financial security at risk. A well-structured long-term care insurance policy helps you preserve your retirement income, investments, and legacy.

Location Matters

The cost of care isn’t the same everywhere. Whether you’re planning to stay local or move to a new state, long-term care expenses vary widely by location.

Here are national averages for care in the U.S. (as of 2021):



These rates will only continue to rise with inflation — and they’ll vary based on where you live and the type of care you choose.

Estimating the Level of Care You’ll Need

It’s difficult to predict exactly what care you'll need or for how long. But here are a few important statistics:

• Nearly 70% of people turning 65 today will need some form of long-term care during their lifetime
• Women typically need care longer (3.7 years on average) than men (2.2 years)
• About 1 in 5 individuals will need long-term care for 5 years or more

Your plan should account for both the duration and intensity of care — and give you the flexibility to adapt as your needs change.

Let’s Build a Plan That Fits

With so many moving parts — costs, coverage types, location, and personal health — it’s natural to have questions. That’s where we come in.

Call us today to review your options, explore benefit amounts, and create a long-term care insurance plan that works for your future.

Long-Term Care Insurance: Separating Fact from Fiction

Get the truth before you need the care.

When it comes to long-term care insurance, there’s a lot of confusion out there. Let’s clear up some of the most common myths so you can make an informed decision about your future.

Fiction: I’m probably already covered through my current insurance.

Fact: Most traditional insurance plans — including health insurance, HMOs, and disability coverage — do not pay for ongoing personal care. That means if you need help with basic daily tasks like bathing, dressing, or eating, you’ll likely be paying out of pocket unless you have long-term care insurance.

Fiction: Medicare or Medicaid will handle my long-term care.

Fact: Medicare only pays for short-term skilled nursing care — typically up to 100 days — and only after a hospital stay. It doesn’t cover long-term personal or custodial care.
Medicaid can help, but only if you meet strict income and asset limits. For most people, relying on government programs isn’t a practical solution.

Fiction: Long-term care is something only older people need.

Fact: While many people who need long-term care are seniors, younger adults can also require assistance due to illness, injury, or chronic conditions. Accidents and unexpected health events don’t follow an age limit.

Fiction: My family will take care of me if I ever need help.

Fact: While many families want to help, caregiving can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. In many cases, professional support or full-time care may be necessary — and that’s where long-term care insurance can help lighten the load for both you and your loved ones.

Fiction: Long-term care insurance is just too expensive.

Fact: It may be more affordable than you think — especially if you purchase coverage earlier in life. Plans can be customized to fit your needs and budget, and including long-term care in your broader financial or retirement plan helps you stay in control of future expenses.

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help you cut through the confusion and find a solution that works for you.

Contact us today to explore your options and get a quote tailored to your needs.

Hybrid vs. Traditional Long-Term Care Insurance

Two types of coverage. One important decision.

When planning for your future care needs, it’s important to understand that long-term care insurance is not one-size-fits-all. There are two primary types of policies: traditional and hybrid. Each has distinct features and benefits — and understanding these differences can help you make the right decision for your situation.

What Is Traditional Long-Term Care Insurance?

Traditional long-term care (LTC) insurance is a stand-alone policy specifically designed to cover long-term care services such as in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home stays.

Key Features:

• Tailored benefits to meet your needs
• You select the monthly benefit, benefit duration, and inflation protection
• Coverage begins after a waiting period (typically 30 to 180 days)
• Premiums are ongoing and can be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually
• Policies are guaranteed renewable — you remain covered as long as premiums are paid
• May qualify for tax deductions if the policy is tax-qualified

Traditional policies are often more flexible and customizable but do not provide a death benefit. If you never use the coverage, the premiums paid are not refunded.

What Is Hybrid Long-Term Care Insurance?

Hybrid long-term care insurance combines long-term care benefits with life insurance or an annuity. It’s designed to ensure your money provides value — whether or not you need long-term care.

Key Features:

• Offers both long-term care coverage and a life insurance death benefit
• If long-term care is never needed, your beneficiaries receive a death benefit
• Premiums can often be paid as a one-time lump sum or over a short payment period (e.g., 10 years)
• Benefits and values are contractually guaranteed
• Includes cash value accumulation
• Limited flexibility in adjusting coverage after purchase
• Premiums are generally not tax-deductible

Hybrid policies are ideal for individuals who want long-term care protection but also want to ensure their premium dollars benefit their estate if care is never needed.