One problem with cutting a check is if the policy is canceled after a few months. Now you're in the hole and trying to collect from someone who may or may not be able to cut a check back.
This is as much a question as it's a statement because I'm in the same situation wondering how to handle it.
In the past 20 years of selling LTCi, I think that I've had one cancellation within the first year after someone paid the full annual premium.
So, the odds are pretty slim of this happening.