The nation’s long-term care insurers paid out $12.3 billion in claims during 2021, representing a significant increase over prior years according to new data from the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI).
“Take note if you doubt the value of long-term care insurance protection or question whether insurers are paying claimants,” said Jesse Slome, AALTCI’s director. “The amount of claim benefits paid to policyholders grew by approximately $700 million compared to the 2020 payout.”
According to the Association’s annual report of claims paid, the $12.3 billion paid represents an increase of $2 billion over the total claim benefits paid by the industry in 2018.
“Claim benefits were paid to some 336,000 policyholders,” Slome shares. “Some claims amount to small amounts and some can be significant, totally over $1 million,” Slome added. “Even if you do a simple calculation, the average claim amount paid out for the year would equal $36,600. And, claims can last for several years.”
The number of individuals paid during 2021 grew by roughly 11,000 compared to the prior year.
The amount reported represents claims for those owning traditional or health-based long-term care insurance. The Association report does not include data for those who have purchased a linked-benefit policy. These include life insurance or annuity policies that can also provide payout for qualifying long-term care needs.
Data on long-term care insurance claims paid 2021 along with other current long-term care insurance statistics can be accessed on the Association’s website. To see 2020 statistical reports, go to www.aaltci.org/LTCFacts-2022.
The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance advocates for the importance of long-term care planning. The organization connects consumers with knowledgeable professionals who are independent advisors. These specialists can provide information along with long-term care insurance quotes and policy comparisons for both traditional and linked benefit long-term care insurance options.
That should help the already existing math problem in that market segment