Limited and Extended Care Planning Collective

NAIFA’s LECP Executive Director Carroll Golden joins Angie Hughes on the  Producers XL broadcast: The Long-Term, Angie's Advice for Agents on August 31st, at 11 am eastern to discuss the Washington Care Act.

Significant inflation - something that the majority of Americans have not seen in their lifetime - has been a primary news topic.  From concerns about exploding national debt and high government spending levels to an expanding post-pandemic economy, many people are concerned about sustained inflation and decreased purchasing power.  Or, as many economists are assuring us, this could be a short-term event as the economy bounces back from the pandemic. Nobody knows!

Most clients say they want to receive care in their homes. But they also say they don’t want to be a burden on family or friends.

Both goals are understandable and maybe in conflict when care is needed. As with so many things in life, it can be wise to be careful of what we wish for.

The June LECP webinar featured OneAmerica Sales Director, Tim Vannoy, who presented the “Hybrid Annuities and the Long-Term Care Provisions.” Using case studies, Vannoy addressed the following issues:

• Who would benefit from the Pension Protection Act?
• How large is the market for the Pension Protection Act?
• How can a client get tax-deferred gains out tax-free?

Three Compelling Reasons Why Planning for Care is in Your Client's Best Interest:

• Impact on loved ones
• Lifestyle
• Financial Security

Having a plan for long-term care can help ensure that clients: don’t overburden loved ones; maintain their lifestyle, for themselves and their partner; and maintain future financial security.

NAIFA’s Policy Director Maeghan Gale joined LTCI Partners Managing Director, Tom Riekse, and Director Steve Cain for a panel discussion about recent Long Term Care Insurance legislation. For many years, Long-Term Care Insurance took a backseat as it relates to legislative action on the state and federal level. However, 2021 has brought a wave of activity as lawmakers consider the best way to support their growing aging populations.

Have you heard of the Washington Cares Fund?  If you haven't, it's the first state run and funded  Long-Term Services & Supports program. Originally signed in 2019 by Governor Jay Inslee, as of  January 1st, 2025, Washington State Residents who need long-term care may be able to claim benefits (based on needing help with 3 of 10 ADLs) from the state and receive a benefit of up to $100 per day up to a maximum benefit of $36,500. Undoubtedly  for many families these benefits are going to welcomed and helpful.  But, of course, someone has to pay for the program.

The recent stock market run (especially in tech stocks) has been amazing. Despite the high unemployment rate, many investors are enjoying that feeling of increased net worth in both their qualified and non-qualified money.

The last several years have seen major changes in LTC Insurance - leading to what can be referred to as LTC 2.0.  LTC 2.0 means that while the pure protection of traditional LTC insurance is still a popular option, there has been an accompanying growth in Hybrid LTC + Life plans - both in number of policies sold and number of carriers offering these plans. 

The Certification for Long-Term Care has produced a fact sheet, "A Teachable Moment: The Power of Starting a Conversation," to help advisors start conversations with clients about the importance of extended care planning. It offers facts and statistics that emphasize the importance of planning.