The overwhelming majority of consumers experiencing a premium increase on their long-term care insurance chose to pay the higher premium, according to the findings of a new analysis released this week by the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance.
“Between 50 and 60 percent of policyholders choose to keep their original policy benefit levels and pay the increased premium,” said Jesse Slome, American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance director. “While no one likes to pay more money, these individuals recognize the value of this protection because they are older and thus closer to the risk of needing long-term care.”
Rate increases vary and thus so do the percentages, Slome explained. For that reason, he said he felt a “range” was the best way to reflect the information.
According to the Association between 20 and 30 percent of individuals notified of an approved premium increase chose to adjust their policy provisions.
“Many buyers initially selected the 5 percent inflation growth option,” Slome notes. “When they review their policy benefits along with their present financial situation, it often makes sense to reduce the growth factor and thus avoid the premium increase. In some cases, they may even pay less money for their continued long-term care insurance coverage.”
Between 10 and 20 percent of consumers elect the non-forfeiture option. “Typically, these individuals will stop paying premiums but will still qualify for benefits should they need qualifying care,” Slome notes. “The last time we conducted such an analysis, it was common for only 1-3 percent of policyholders to drop coverage.”
The long-term care insurance executive attributed the change to ‘premium increase fatigue’ as well as two other factors. “The long-term care insurance industry has failed to convey to consumers how this protection is benefiting hundreds of thousands of families each year. And, for some, the value of accrued benefits are perceived to be sufficient for meeting future needs. Paying continued premium is viewed as no longer making financial sense.”
To access the latest long-term care insurance statistics go to https://www.aaltci.org/long-term-care-insurance/learning-center/ltcfacts-2022.php.
A troubling question comes to mind, as the cost of coverage continues to increase, aren't consumers also faced with a transverse effect of reduction in quality of care?