With all the talk about government health plans, one issue which is now getting attention is long-term care. Most Americans are unaware that a government partnership program is available in most states which can provide American families with additional asset protection from the tremendously high costs of long-term care.

"We hear some presidential candidates talk about universal health care including long-term care. That is not going to happen but there is a government plan which many people can take advantage of and that is the Long-Term Care Partnership Program," said Matt McCann, a nationally known speaker, and Long-Term Care Insurance specialist.

Speaking in Phoenix, McCann said most states participate in providing consumers additional dollar-for-dollar asset protection when they purchase a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance policy. The program is a joint federal-state program which allows a person to shelter part of their estate equal to the amount their Long-Term Care policy paid in benefits and still qualify for Medicaid's long-term care benefit.  Normally, a person must have little or no assets in order to access the Medicaid long-term care benefit.

"This is really a game changer for the middle class and the upper middle class. It gives them the peace-of-mind knowing they will always have access to their choice of quality long-term care services and supports without risking their life savings. Since these policies are custom designed, you can purchase a smaller plan protecting all or a large portion of a person's savings at a very affordable price," McCann said.

The Obama administration toyed with the idea of long-term care when they put together their "Obamacare" program. However, administration actuaries at the Department of Health and Human Services urged the White House to drop the idea because of cost and the White House heeded the advice.

McCann noted that a few states, most recently the State of Washington, have toyed with a tax funded long-term care program. The Washington program adds a payroll tax to provide people with one year of home care.

"That is hardly long-term care and is also not a real solution. It is, better than nothing and a good foundation if you do have a Long-Term Care Insurance policy. If you have a partnership policy not only do you have access to your choice of care in the setting you desire but you get the asset protection as well," McCann explained.

McCann said more American's should be aware of the benefits of an affordable Long-Term Care Partnership policy. Premiums are based, in part, on age at application, health, and the amount of benefits requested.

He suggests working with a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist, like himself, who help shop and design an affordable plan based on their needs. McCann suggests starting your online research before seeking quotes. Consumers can learn more at: https://mccannltc.net/resources/faq. On the site there is a link to obtain free quotes from all the major companies.

Another key research item is to understand the current and future costs of long-term care services in your state or the state you plan to retire to in the future. Plus, you need to know if the state participates in the federal/state long-term care partnership program. You can find this information, including available tax incentives, here: https://www.ltcnews.com/resources/state-information.

With over 20 years of experience, McCann assists people nationwide with his unique process where people get to speak with him on the phone while they view his computer screen on their own computer. In his process, he will ask numerous questions about an individual's health, family history, and retirement plans. This way he can shop the many companies available to find the best coverage at the best value.

One of my primary objectives will be to determine if coverage for long-term care is appropriate for the person or couple and if so, is a partnership plan is a right way to address the financial costs and burdens of aging.  He works with the major companies in the industry and understands both traditional and asset-based plans.

"Today's technology allows a specialist, like me, to help consumers, and their financial advisors if they are involved, to find the right plan. If your insurance agent or financial advisor just emailed you quotes without discussing this in detail you better find someone else," he said.

McCann says the best time to plan is prior to retirement. He says premiums are very affordable for most people, especially in their 40s and 50s. However, he notes you can find coverage at older ages as well but it is key to work with a specialist to find the right plan at the best value.