A couple in their 60s both purchasing new long term care insurance coverage can expect to pay between 6% and 9% more compared to a year ago, according to the annual industry analysis of prices released on Feb. 3.
“A typical couple where both spouses are age 60 will pay between $100 and $150 a month each for long-term care insurance protection,” said Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI). The national trade group just released its 2017 Long-Term Care Insurance Price Index, an annual examination of costs for new policies available.
“We advocate for a ‘Good-Better-Best’ approach to long-term care planning,” Slome explains. Good coverage he shares provides benefits for up to 360 days with a benefit pool that increases each year as the policyholder ages. “For many individuals who ultimately need long-term care, this is going to be sufficient or good coverage, and it’s certainly going to be far more affordable,” Slome said. About half (41%) of current long-term care insurance claims end within one year, AALTCI data shows.
According to the 2017 LTC Price Index, new policy rates for a 60-year-old couple increased between 6% and 9% compared to the prior year.
Costs for single men actually decline; rates still vary widely among remaining insurers
Rates for single men remained fairly level or, in some instances, actually declined compared to 2016 according to the AALTCI report. “Our rate comparison for a single 55-year-old man showed a year-to-year decline of 20% in some instances,” Slome said. A single male, age 55, could anticipate paying anywhere from $90 to about $150 per month for long-term care insurance available from some of the leading insurers.
Costs for virtually identical policy coverage still vary significantly from one insurer to the next according to the 2017 Price Index. “Insurers each set their own rates and the price for virtually identical coverage can vary,” Slome states. The AALTCI analysis found rates varied by as much as 70% – a decrease from the prior year when some costs varied by up to 94%. “You generally only buy long term care insurance once, so it’s important to do it correctly the first time,” Slome said.
For more information, call the national organization at (818) 597-3227 or visit the Association’s website at www.aaltci.org.
AALTCI 2017 NATIONAL LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PRICE INDEX
Price analysis of leading long-term care insurers. Conducted January 2017. Resident of TN, rates vary by state and subject to change.
The “Good-Better-Best” Approach To Long-Term Care Planning
