Americans are living longer according to a new study and that's an important reason to educate individuals about the need for long-term care planning recommends the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI).
"When you live a long life, the risk of needing long-term care increases exponentially and most Americans have no plan in place for this emotionally draining and costly risk," shares Jesse Slome, AALTCI's director.
According to new data released this month by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Life expectancy rose to 78.6 years in 2017, an increase of 0.5 years from 2007. The report also found that nursing home services were the third most-used long-term care services among adults aged 65 and older in 2015–2016.
"The study shared that there are 1.2 million Americans residing in nursing facilities." Slome notes. "This is 4% higher than in 2011–2012. The study also shared that home health was the first most-used long-term care service, with 3.7 million users, and hospice was the second most-used with 1.3 million patients."
"Americans need to understand the consequences of living a long life and the toll it takes on family members and loved ones who all too often are drafted into unpaid caregiving roles," Slome advises. "There's no government program in place to address this so people need to take personal responsibility and one of the best options is long-term care insurance."
The long-term care insurance professional urged insurance agents with senior or aging clients to share the information, "Education is the first step towards boosting sales of long-term care insurance solutions," Slome comments. "This information can help boost sales of this important protection. But, to have the most options available planning must begin prior to age 65 when it's far more likely an individual is still in relatively good health and also insurance premiums will be less costly."
The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance advocates for the importance of long-term care planning. Established in 1998, the organization connects consumers with knowledgeable professionals who are independent advisors for no-cost, no-obligation long-term care insurance quotes and policy comparisons. To connect with a knowledgeable long-term care insurance agent go to www.aaltci.org/long-term-care-insurance/free-quote/ or call the organization at 818-597-3227.
The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance and the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance all advocate for the importance of planning and support insurance professionals nationwide. Jesse Slome, founder and executive director of the organizations, is a leading consumer advocate and author of numerous consumer and professional guides focused on retirement and insurance planning that have been published by governmental agencies and private organizations.