The newest in a series of marketing tools was created to support insurance professionals who market long-term care and short-term care insurance products.

"Insurance agents are responsible for creating consumer awareness and we strive to help them effectively educate their clients and prospects," explains Jesse Slome, director of the National Advisory Center for Short-Term Care Information.  The newest marketing tool was created by the Center for use by member agents.

"A significant percentage of seniors who want to undertake long-term care planning have pre-existing health conditions that prevent them from meeting health requirements for traditional long-term care insurance," Slome points out.  According to the latest research conducted by the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, a national trade group, as many as 44 percent of seniors who apply at older ages are declined.

The new marketing tool is meant to educate seniors and make them aware of other options that may be more affordable and easier to health qualify for.  "Short-term care insurance policies can be ideal coverage for someone who has pre-existing health conditions," Slome adds.  A number of the insurance carrier applications ask a series of Yes-No questions and some do not require medical records.

"Long-term care planning is something everyone needs to do a little of today because so many of us now live into our 80s, 90s and even to age 100," Slome advises.  "There are more options available than most people know about and we want to do what we can to create awareness."

The  National Advisory Center for Short-Term Care Information is the leading source for information.  The Center's website www.shorttermcareinsurance.org offers free access to read a comprehensive guide that explores the benefits of short-term care insurance.