Speaking to Dayton, Ohio insurance agents in a Zooming Meeting roundtable, a leading specialist in long-term care planning, said the Presidential and Congressional campaigns are not adequately addressing long-term care.
"Considering the impact of COVID-19 on long-term care, you would think we would hear more about the problem of aging and the related health issues coming from longevity. When we do hear something, it is often very misinformed," according to Matt McCann, a nationally known expert in Long-Term Care Insurance and planning.
"Perhaps I shouldn't be amazed, but it still amazes me how candidates for federal office address the problem superficially. Some of these candidates talk about needing new programs, and they ignore the programs already in place. Perhaps they are unaware, or perhaps they are addicted to funding more federal programs, but it really doesn't address the issue," McCann said.
McCann said both President Trump and Vice President Biden have given some lip service to long-term care. Both appear to want some additional tax incentives for private Long-Term Care Insurance. After that, little substance, according to McCann.
The Trump administration has reacted to the COVID-19 crisis with resources for additional testing in long-term care facilities. Former Vice President Biden has proposed a $5,000 tax credit for informal caregivers. That can help those who have not planned, but it places family members into the role of being caregivers.
"Then we have Congressional candidates talking about new programs and ignoring the Partnership Long-Term Care Insurance program. Forty-five states offer these affordable policies that offer dollar-for-dollar asset protection. The partnership program is one of the biggest kept secrets in retirement planning, and we should be shining a huge light on this program," McCann explained.
Today's Long-Term Care Insurance is an affordable way to have access to guaranteed tax-free resources to pay for quality care either in a person's home or in a facility. The partnership benefits allow a person to shelter part of their estate even if they exhaust their insurance benefits and still qualify for the Medicaid Long-Term Care benefit.
With so many Generation X, Late-Boomers, and the remaining Baby Boomers, long-term care is a critical issue.
"Even small partnership policies provide substantial asset protection while providing a choice of quality care. But long-term care is more than just a cash flow problem. It is a family problem. When you own a policy you give your family the time to be family," McCann explained.
McCann urged candidates to talk more about long-term care. He said as more people own Long-Term Care Insurance, it reduces the pressure on government budgets. He says LTC Insurance is good for all American families.
"Calling more attention to this issue will encourage more people to plan for the financial costs and burdens of aging before they retire as part of their overall retirement plan. But politicians must understand the programs that already exist and how they benefit all Americans before adding new programs to be funded by taxpayers," McCann added.
McCann said Long-Term Care Insurance is already helping American families keep loved ones at home with quality home care. In 2019 the major insurance companies paid over $11 billion in Long-Term Care Insurance benefits.
He recommends consumers not wait for additional government incentives since many already exist. McCann says the ideal time to obtain coverage is when you are in your 40s or 50s when premiums are much lower, and you are more likely to qualify for preferred health rates.
The LTC NEWS Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is an outstanding resource, according to McCann. He also suggests visiting his website, which has many tools available.
McCann works with consumers throughout the country, helping them plan for the financial costs and burdens of aging. He is licensed nationwide and works with the major insurance companies and their many long-term care solution products.
Consumers can seek his assistance directly by contacting him from his website or calling his office – 866-751-7957. McCann is also available for speeches and media interviews.