America is getting older. Generation X and Late Boomers are aging in mass and joining the remaining Baby Boomers who are still enjoying longevity. If you are age 40 and older you better have a solid plan to enjoy a successful future retirement. However, too many American families ignore perhaps the biggest challenge, how to address the high costs and burdens that come with getting older.

Speaking to financial professionals in Grand Rapids, Matt McCann, a nationally known specialist in Long-Term Care Insurance and long-term care planning, said too many insurance agents and financial advisors are unaware of an easy and affordable way to protect a family's savings from the costs of long-term health care.

"Many Americans, including those who should know, are unaware of the Long-Term Care Partnership Program. 44 states have active programs in place. If an individual owns a qualified partnership Long-Term Care Insurance policy, they are eligible for dollar-for-dollar asset protection. This means the policy owners will never be forced to exhaust all their assets even if they exhaust all their insurance benefits. This allows financial professionals to design a very affordable policy which safeguards the consumer's assets. Since these policies are custom designed, you can design a plan that directly matches their financial position," McCann said.

McCann said while too many people are fixated on crazy events in Washington, both consumers and professional insurance agents and financial advisors need to keep their eye on retirement planning. Since the risk of needing long-term care services are high and get bigger with age, it is essential to put a plan in place before retirement.

"We must explore all the facts. Most of us are aware that planning for retirement is essential to do in advance. For people in their 40s and 50s, they better have concrete plans in place and if they don't, they should work toward that goal right away. We also need to understand longevity is a big obstacle. With aging comes the increased risk of needing long-term care services. Without a plan in place these extended care costs will be paid out of income and savings or your family will become caregivers. Perhaps both. There is a better solution," McCann explained.

According to McCann, additional government solutions for long-term care are not on the horizon. Two government programs exist for long-term care. Medicaid provides benefits for those with little or no assets. While he explains that there might be some expansion of how that care might be delivered, no additional benefits will be provided.

"The federal government has already run these numbers on a bi-partisan basis. Despite what some candidates might say, the cost of expanding long-term care benefits are too great. Medicaid will continue to be here for those who need it. However, Medicaid is never the goal or the solution for most American families," McCann said.

Perhaps the biggest secret in retirement planning, according to McCann, is the partnership program.

"Too many people are unaware of the power of this program. Too many people think Long-Term Care Insurance is expensive. Too many financial professionals don't have a solid understanding of these products and how to design affordable plans," McCann said.

McCann urged financial advisors and general insurance agents to team-up with Long-Term Care Insurance specialists who have a solid understanding of product features, underwriting standards, and claims.

"This will give more American families access to their choice of quality care, asset protection, and peace-of-mind. By working with a specialist, American families will see how easy and affordable these plans can be. They will not only safeguard savings and income but reduce the tremendous stress and burden otherwise placed on family members," McCann explained.

McCann urged to not allow news events to paralyze planning that really needs to get set in place. He said the best time to start planning is well before retirement, in your 40s and 50s, when premiums are low and the most options are available to choose from.

"We must understand that we must live our lives no matter what craziness is going on in Washington or anywhere in the world. We are responsible for our families, not anyone else," McCann said.

McCann said research should start with finding the current and future cost of long-term care services in your area. This calculator will be very helpful:  https://www.ltcnews.com/resources/states.

McCann assists consumers nationwide using a unique method where he speaks with a consumer on the telephone while viewing his computer screen on their computer. This provides a pressure-free way to learn about these products and their various options available from the many companies available. He also works with many financial advisors helping them assist their clients.

Consumers can learn more about long-term care planning at https://mccannltc.net/resources/faq. On his website, there is a link to obtain free quotes from all the major companies.