New research is providing a sobering alert for American families preparing for their retirement in the years and decades ahead. A new CareScout Analytics research study shows that in 41 states and the District of Columbia, older adults are projected to outlive their retirement income and savings, leaving the average 65-year-old facing a lifetime shortfall of $109,000.

For Matt McCann, one of the nation's leading specialists in long-term care planning, the findings confirm what he has seen for decades: most retirement plans still ignore one of the biggest financial risks people face as they age: the rising, unpredictable cost of long-term care.

"These findings reinforce what I've witnessed throughout my career. Americans spend years planning for retirement income but often overlook the financial impact of needing extended care. Long-term care isn't just a healthcare issue, it is a signifiant family issue in addition to being one of the biggest retirement risks we face. Planning before health changes occur gives you more choices, helps protect income and retirement assets, and can prevent loved ones from becoming full-time caregivers." — Matt McCann, CLTC.

A Retirement Gap Driven by Care Needs

The CareScout Analytics model evaluated Social Security, pensions, retirement accounts, and personal savings against expected lifetime expenses, including housing, taxes, healthcare, and long-term care. Only nine states — Washington, New Hampshire, Colorado, Nebraska, Idaho, Minnesota, Utah, Maryland, and Montana — were projected to have sufficient retirement resources.

McCann notes that federal data shows that over half of us turning 65 will eventually need long-term services. But McCann says it is simpler than some government statistics.

"Long-term care will either happen to you or a loved one, or it will not. When it does happen, the consequences on our families and finances can be life-changing. The solution, for many people, is simple. A simple and affordable Long-Term Care Insurance policy changes lives and families in many ways, making a catastrophic situation manageable." — Matt McCann, CLTC.

Longevity is a major part of the challenge. McCann notes that the longer we live, the more likely we are to experience changes in our health, body, and mind. Frailty becomes more common, and dementia emerges as a substantial concern for millions of families. For those living with dementia, the financial exposure is even more severe. The Alzheimer's Association's 2026 Facts and Figures report estimates 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older are currently living with Alzheimer's disease, with long-term care costs for dementia projected to reach $409 billion in 2026.

"Longevity is a gift, but it comes with consequences," McCann said. "The longer we live, the more likely we are to face frailty, cognitive decline, and the high cost of care that comes with them. Dementia, in particular, can drain a family's savings faster than anything else."

Long-Term Care Insurance: The Missing Piece in Most Retirement Plans

McCann says the report highlights a critical truth: long-term care is not just a health issue — it is a major financial threat to retirement security.

"People worry about running out of money in retirement, but they rarely connect that fear to long-term care," McCann said.

"Extended care is the single event most likely to drain your savings, force you to sell assets, or disrupt your family's life. Long-Term Care Insurance is the tool that prevents that from happening." — Matt McCann, CLTC.

He emphasizes that modern Long-Term Care Insurance policies do far more than cover nursing homes. In fact, most long-term care is delivered at home and in assisted living.

"Quality care matters — and it costs money," McCann said.The cost of long-term care services are rising, and in some areas of teh country are higher than average.

"An LTC policy gives you guaranteed, tax-free resources to pay for qualit care, including care at home, without liquidating your investments, changing your lifestyle, or gambling with market conditions. It protects your spouse, your family, and your legacy." — Matt McCann, CLTC.

A Call for Earlier, Smarter Planning

With long-term care costs rising nationwide and longevity increasing, McCann urges Americans — especially those in their 40s, 50s, and early 60s — to integrate long-term care planning into their retirement strategy.

"The earlier you plan, the more affordable and effective LTC coverage becomes," McCann said.

"Ignoring long-term care doesn't make the risk go away. It just makes the consequences on you and your family more expensive." — Matt McCann, CLTC.

If an Older Parent Needs Care Now

For families already facing an immediate care need, McCann says swift, informed action is essential. He recommends:

• Understanding available extended care options — including home care, adult day services, assisted living, memory care, and nursing homes
• Searching for care providers using the LTC News Caregiver Directory, the nation's largest database of caregivers and long-term care facilities
• Reviewing family records to determine whether the parent owns a Long-Term Care Insurance policy
• Evaluating Medicaid eligibility for low-income individuals or those who have already spent down their assets

If a loved one has an LTC policy and it is time to get them quality care, McCann says to access the policy benefits sooner rather than later. McCann notes that LTC News partners with Amada Senior Care to provide free claim support with no cost or obligation — File a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.

About Matt McCann, CLTC

Matt McCann, CLTC, has spent nearly 30 years helping families prepare for the financial and emotional realities of aging. As one of the nation's most respected long-term care planning specialists, he is licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and represents the industry's leading insurance carriers offering long-term care solutions.

McCann's approach is personal, transparent, and pressure-free. Clients can consult with him by phone at their convenience while he shows them his computer screen, creating a simple, convenient experience. He walks families through their options at their own pace—no office visit required.

You can start the process and get free and accurate quotes from all the top companies — plus professional recommendations — by visiting Free and Accurate LTC Insurance Quotes.

Media Availability

Matt McCann, CLTC, is a trusted, frequently quoted voice on aging, caregiving, and long-term care. With nearly three decades of experience, he brings clear, practical insight to conversations about how families can prepare for the financial and emotional realities of extended care.

McCann is available for interviews, expert commentary, radio, podcasts, webinars, and panel discussions. He regularly collaborates with journalists, producers, and conference organizers seeking authoritative perspectives on long-term care trends, policy developments, caregiving challenges, and the future of aging in America.

Contact McCann through his website for information.