How much does long-term care insurance cost?
I usually respond to this commonly asked question with “How much does a car cost?”
There are multiple options that vary the price, but the core options are explained under the “LTCI Benefits” category on this website in the excerpt from my book The ABC’s of Long-Term Care Insurance called “Your Customized Benefit Selection Process”:
- daily or monthly benefit (you want monthly for home care)
- waiting period before benefits start (one-time deductible)
- inflation protection (BUY IT)
- home health care benefit (to include or not to include or include at a lower level)
- benefit period/benefit maximum (lifetime maximum for benefits)
When I started my wonderful career in the long-term care insurance industry in 1988, I saw how little anyone knew about the subject. To get the word out, I did an educational seminar all over my city of 250,000 people. The only qualifications I put on the audience were:
- they were a broad mixture of ages since long-term care affects the entire family; and
- they have assets to protect so that the purchase of long-term care insurance would be financially suitable for them.
Having said that last one, though, I have had adult children buy long-term care insurance on their parents because they want their parents to be treated like a private-pay patient when the parents need long-term care. This means many more choices that the Medicaid program offers. Conversely – and this will make you smile a little – I’ve had parents buy long-term care insurance on those “20-somethings” because they know if that young son or daughter had a head injury due to an accident or developed a serious chronic condition, they as parents would be responsible. That usually happens in the workplace when employees are exposed to long-term care insurance.
My seminars were generic which means they didn’t mention a particular product or insurance company – just good basic information about why people even need long-term care insurance. The second half of the seminar explained how one goes about selecting the benefits on a policy to get the most value for the least amount of premium. In other words, I just explained what I had wanted to know when I got into the field of LTCI. And the big questions I had were “How much does this insurance cost? Can I afford it?”
So I developed a solid plan that will pay two-thirds of the cost of care in most of the country and another one that will do the same in those high-cost areas like New York, New England and parts of California. Here’s the plan:
| Most of the U.S. | High-Cost Areas | |
| Daily/Monthly Benefit | $150/$4500 | $250/$7500 |
| Waiting Period (one-time) | 90 days | 90 days |
| Inflation Protection | 5% compound | 5% compound |
| Home Care Benefit | 100% | 100% |
| Benefit Period/Benefit Maximum | 3 years | 3 years |
The Long-Term Care Partnership is really what makes this work. The #1 thing that non-buyers report will cause them to consider long-term care insurance is that the government will start paying when the long-term care insurance benefits run out. (Source: LifePlans LTCI Buyer-NonBuyer Surveys, 2011) That’s exactly what happens in the Partnership states if you meet the state’s criteria for being physically or cognitively impaired. Plus, you get to keep assets equal to the benefits paid out by your long-term care insurance policy in addition to what your state allows you to keep as a Medicaid patient (see “The Partnership for Long-Term Care” and “What Your State Lets You Keep” under Laws and Regulations on this site).
So to see what that premium averages for you, please enter these factors below:
Age (actual age and know that most companies allow a 30 day grace period to get an application in after your birthday) and marital or partner status:
- single or married without a spouse or partner issued
- married or with a partner and both of you expect to be covered
You will see the average monthly and annual premium for both plans. You can pay semi-annual or quarterly as well, but this is just to give you an idea. You will also see that monthly creates a load of about 9%, which is like paying an extra monthly payment. Monthly also has to be drafted from your checking account and some people are squeamish about that. A couple of carriers accept a credit or debit card but that’s not common. If you can pay one of the other modes with annual being the least expensive, you save money.
Health: You can also save money if you qualify for a preferred health discount which ranges from 5%-15%, depending on the carrier. Generally, you must have a reasonable height/weight ratio, be a non-smoker, and take no more than one medication. The medication part is tricky – it has to be for a condition that is well under control. For example, it could be to control high blood pressure or cholesterol and there should be no dosage or frequency changes in the last six months or a change to another medication. So enter these factors here and see the average premiums:
Expensive, you say? Please don’t leave this page until you consider – are you ready???
The LTC Insurance Value Proposition: After you see the average premium for these plans, multiply the premium by 30 years, then compare the amount of premium to what the benefits will be in 30 years.
Most of the US Plan: $600 daily benefit x 3 x 365 = $657,000
High-Cost Areas: $1000 daily benefit x 3 x 365 = $1,095,000
Note: It’s easy to do this with any plan that has the 5% compound inflation protection, because at 5% compound, the benefits double every 15 years. Here’s how it works:
- $150 x 2 = $300 in 15 years; $300 x 2 = $600 in 30 years
- $250 x 2 = $500 in 15 years; $500 x 2 = $1000 in 30 years
If you and your spouse/partner are issued a policy, the benefit amounts are double; i.e. $1,314,000 for both of you on the lower plan ($657,000 x 2) and $2,190,000 ($1,095,000 x 2) on the higher plan. If you take a benefit called “shared care”, you can have access to each other’s benefits while living and inherit unused benefits when a spouse/partner dies.
What’s the point? The point is that everything is expensive but you have to say “compared to what?” If you compare the premium you pay in to the benefits available, all of a sudden the premium looks small. Plus, the premium stops when you start receiving benefits and some plans offer the option to pay a little more and have it stop on both of you if you are part of a couple.
Of course you have to qualify medically for a plan, and the younger you are, the greater the chance that you will qualify and the less a plan will cost for you.
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hello Phyllis,
Thank you for your help! We are looking for a LTCI
I am 60 years old, and my wife 58 years old. I will like to have more information about the LTCI, What is the time of the cover? what is 90 days elimination period? I used the calculator and I got the monthly / yearly cost, it is this for a term of time? or for how long will be that payment?
Author
so glad you reached out for my help Wilfredo! All you have to do is go to this link and complete the short questionnaire: https://www.gotltci.com/contact-us/ Completing the questionnaire puts you into our system and one of my amazing specialists will get with you and answer all of your questions with no obligation whatsoever. I do regret to inform you the pricing calculator is somewhat behind but our specialist will give you current prices and help you find an affordable, yet meaningful plan. You definitely don’t want to wait longer as the premium goes up each birthday. Congratulations on planning NOW.
Hi,
I am just starting to look into LTC, as now is the right time as I retired on 12/31/2020 at the age of 72, and have read Suze Orman’s book of Ultimate Retirement Guide for 50+. My wife is 70 and still working full time. I take 3 BP meds which are effective and my wife takes no meds. We have an average health profile for people of our age. We live in central PA and used your calculator The calculator results for Most of the Country show our cost to be about $5200/year. which is affordable.
I have questions:
1. What insurance company or companies are you representing?
2. Does the policy have a Shared 3rd Pool component?
3. Is this for facility only or does it have a home care component?
Your response is much appreciated.
Regards,
Howard Alboum
Author
Hi Howard, congratulations on planning for LTC! It’s one of the most meaningful things you will ever do for each other and for your family. Now, The $5200/year on my calculator is for one married person. You are probably looking at about $8000 a year or so for both of you at your age with National Guardian Life (NGL) which has a great rate for a couple. However, NGL is coming out with a new plan that will cost more very soon so you should check into a policy now. It does have a shared third pool component. The premium I am quoting includes home care but you can also buy a facility only plan. I suggest that you and your wife complete the short questionnaire on my website so that one of my amazing specialists can give you some specific prices. The link for the no-obligation questionnaire and consultation is https://www.gotltci.com/contact-us/
Hello, My mother is 76 and already in assisted living but we are running out of money. Her rent at the assisted living community is $5080. Is LTCI a good (and fast) option or should we investigate medicaid 1st?
Author
Hi Meg – your mother has to be insurable to buy long-term care insurance. You say she is in assisted living. Did you mean independent living or is she receiving help with services like bathing and dressing? If she already needs care, she won’t qualify for a long-term care insurance policy. At that point, you should consult an elder law attorney. A good site to find one is http://www.elderlawanswers.com. Now I have to ask if you have your long-term care insurance policy. If you don’t, there’s no time like the present to learn your options! Just answer the short questionnaire at https://www.gotltci.com/contact-us/ so we can help you right away.
Hi. I have no children and want to buy LTC insurance. Do you sell it or have a referral?
Author
Yes Wendy, my team is standing by to help you. Look for a personal email!
How do i find the best LTCI out there
Author
The question is which is the best LTC insurance plan for YOU. All you have to do is go to this link on my website and complete the short questionnaire. That puts you in our queue to get help from one of my amazing team to figure that out for you. https://www.gotltci.com/contact-us/ While you are there, you will learn a lot by watching my 17-minute video on that page.
Hi Phyllis,
I just turned a healthy 68 in June of 2020. It looks like I may be a little late coming to he LTC party. I used the LTC cost calculator and the premium will be a high as $788/mon! I would really need to tighten things up a bit if I decide to get LTC. I’m wondering if I should still get it.
Thank you,
Vincenzo
Author
You should absolutely get it Vincenzo. So glad you are still healthy! Your premium can be adjusted to your budget. There are so many options, plus men are much less expensive than women. The product with the best rate for men is going up Sept 1st for new policyholders, so it’s very important that you meet with us now. Please complete the short questionnaire at https://www.gotltci.com/contact-us/ so we can help you right away.
I find there are a lot of differentiating factors where proper guidance is needed. I am glad you’re available.
I am 59 currently unemployed but obviously want to cover myself somewhat and as circumstances change augment or upgrade. I am in good health take no medication. There is a history of Alzheimers my mother
I thought to get at the very minimum a $1500 with a $36,000 benefit pay quarterly @$155; this includes a rider for immediate care with no waiting period. The policy allows for a yearly policy increase but if I turn it down twice the option is no longer available. This is not much I know. The minimum premium I would like to get to is at least $5000 because I realize I can count on needing it sometime. Currently this is just under $300 a month which I have no way of managing.
I understand some companies don’t allow for an upgrade at all and definitely not within the same policy or company.
Obviously I need to be astute in my choices.
What are your thoughts as I am sure there is much I don’t know?
Thank you for any assistance you can offer.
Author
Hi Dawn – so glad you found me! All you have to do is go to this link on my website and complete the short questionnaire. That puts you in our queue to get help right away! https://www.gotltci.com/contact-us/
While you are there, you will learn a lot by watching my 17-minute video on that page.
Hi Phyllis–
My boyfriend is 60 years old, and is wanting to get a LTC policy. He’s been looking at an Annuity/LTC combo, but I’m not sure that makes sense for him. He has no children, and has no desire to LEAVE anyone any money. So, would it make more sense for him to just get a “Traditional” LTC policy, or is there some other benefit to a hybrid that he should consider. Someone at his bank is pushing the $150,000.00 Annuity, for 2 or 3 times the benefit. I did take note of your earlier comment, not to fall for that, and more importantly look at the daily or monthly benefit amount 20 or so years out when he will need it.
Thanks!!
Author
He will get much more leverage with a traditional policy Sandy. The only two advantages I see for him in doing the LTC annuity would be 1) if he already has an annuity that he funded with after-tax dollars as he could roll it over into an LTC annuity and get the gain out tax-free as LTC benefits; or 2) he would never have to worry about a rate increase with the LTC annuity. People with several health issues also look at LTC annuities. We would be happy to evaluate his situation and make a recommendation. I must also add that if you two are really a couple, you both could enjoy a significant discount by applying together. All you have to do is go to my website and sign up for a no-obligation consultation here: https://www.gotltci.com/contact-us/
Hi Phyllis,
I was reading some of the comments on LTC, and didn’t find anything that would apply to my situation. I have been taking care of my bed bound wife for 8 years now. I am 74 years old now and I don’t know how long I can keep doing it. I really didn’t know anything about LTC insurance until a few days ago when I was asked if I had any. My wife is 74, and has dementia.. What is your recommendation for me on LTC. I am retired, which I did to take care of my wife of 55 years. I wish I knew about LTC insurance long ago, but I think its too late now!!
Author
Anthony, my heart breaks for you. You are just one person in the millions that we in the long-term care insurance industry need to reach and have not been successful. It may not be too late for you. Policies are easily available to age 79 and a couple beyond. Please call me at 888-400-1118 and we can discuss your options. Phyllis Shelton
Dear Phyllis,
I was delighted to find your site–a terrific resource!
I have a LTC with Continental Casualty through a group plan with my university employer. I bought a $200/day hospitalization plan with an inflation clause for a monthly premium of $150 at my then-age of 54. Five years later, the premium increased to $162. This year, CC has ended its group plan and is accepting no new customers. It has also sought and received approval from Texas Department of Insurance for a 98.5% increase beginning this coming September and spread over two years (with 70% increase the first year).
If CC is taking no newcomers into this pool, won’t they have to fund any care costs out of premiums paid by current customers? If so, can I expect ever higher premium rates until it is no longer affordable. CC (through its operative CNA) is pushing existing customers to drop some of their coverage, but I am reluctant to do so because they seem bent on a strategy of getting rid of all of their customers to contain their costs.
I am now 68, having paid LTC payments every year for 14 years (with inflation, daily cost limit is now $375; $675,000 lifetime max, 100% home care benefits, and 90-day waiting period). I have checked with New York Life and State Farm. A comparable policy at my current age would cost me $1,100-$1,200 a month. I feel that CC engaged in deceptive trade practices to get the original group contract and is now trying to absolve itself of any obligations. Is there nothing I can do to hold onto (or transfer) the LTC plan without going poor in the process?
Michael
Author
I’m glad you found me Michael. You were so smart to sign up for LTC insurance 14 years ago at age 54. I know a 98.5% rate increase seems exorbitant, but the perspective is that the insurance was way underpriced then and the insurance companies had yet to find that out. Since you enrolled, there have been two major claims studies released, each one showing claims longer than the last. People are living longer, especially in really nice assisted living facilities instead of the nursing home environment that people dread so much. Fewer people have lapsed their coverage than anyone thought would happen. I think it’s because the closer we get to facing an LTC need, the more we realize how valuable it is to pay only $350 a month instead of $11,406 a month as your policy would pay. It kinda reminds me of the guy who asked God to give him a different cross. God said “sure” and took him to The Room of Crosses. He carried his cross in and after looking around at all the much bigger crosses, he shouldered his cross and quickly backed out of the room. Another way to state this is to say after adding up what you have already paid in (5 years at $1800 + 9 years at $1944 + 1 year at $3305) plus another 15 years at $4248, you will have paid $93,521 by age 84. That’s if you haven’t had a claim, in which case your premium will be waived. If you didn’t take anymore inflation bumps, that would be $93,521 vs. your benefit pool of $675,000. A “country-club” assisted living facility in San Antonio at $5,500 a month today will likely be around $12,000 a month when you are 84, using 5% compound inflation. So as long as you aren’t one of the less than 15% of people who need nursing home care as a last resort, you should be fine with the $375 daily benefit and five year benefit period, unless Alzheimer’s runs deep in your family. Your concern of course is will the $350 a month rate hold? Replacing it with a Mutual of Omaha plan with a $10,000 monthly benefit ($328 a day), four years, and 2% compound inflation for 10 years would get you to the $12,000 a month at age 84 with a little smaller benefit pool, and it’s $481 a month. Another alternative could be purchasing a plan that combines LTC benefits with an annuity. The closest I can get is $8,000 a month at age 84 with a 6 year benefit period (almost $600K). You would reposition $146,000 that you have somewhere else, and a beneficiary would get the money if you didn’t need care. Benefits are still tax-free. If you have an old annuity with a lot of gain, this is a good way to get the gain out tax-free by rolling it into this product. Please feel free to reserve a time with me if you would like to know more.
My MetLife long term insurance plan has gone up 20% this year and the 5% inflation option only adds $1 to the daily benefit for a $140 daily nursing home benefit.
My TransAmerica universal life policy is going up 28%. I have had this policy for 30 years. The options from TranAmerica in their letter include, buying another policy, surrender the policy or let it ride…..yikes?
I am 67 and my husband 68 has a LTC policy that pays $100 daily benefit. Seeking guidance.
Author
Hi Marilyn, I’m happy to talk with you and your husband and see if I can help. I will need the Schedule of Benefits page for all three policies so I can see what you have. You can fax those to me at 615-590-0307 or email them to phyllis@gotltci.com. Then please call our office between 8-5 CST Monday – Friday and ask Lawrence to put you on my calendar for a consultation. Our office # is 888-400-1118, x120 for Lawrence.
Are you familiar with Lincoln MoneyGuard II? I’m a female who will be turning 50 in April. It looks like the premium is $400 per month for 10 years ($48,000 total premium); then the LTC policy is paid up. If I die before ever making a LTC claim, my beneficiary gets a guaranteed $58,000 life insurance benefit. If I decide after making all of the premium payments that I made a mistake, I can get a return of $38,000 of the premium. In the first year, the LTC benefit is a maximum of $2,433 per month for 6 years. There is a 3% inflation rider. At age 80, the maximum LTC benefit is $6082 per month for 6 years. It doesn’t sound like the premium can increase. Does this sound right? What am I missing?
Author
Depending on where you live, Kim, the cost of a really nice assisted living facility can be easily $20,000 a month in 30 years. That’s $5000 a month today inflated by 5% compound for 30 years. I’ve been strongly encouraging women to be sure they can afford a “country club” assisted living facility, as that amount of money will also pay for a lot of home care because home care is growing much slower. So the question is, will you be able to make up the difference when you are 80 between $6082 a month and $20,000 a month? If you can’t, then you need a higher monthly benefit. The 6 year benefit period is great but if you can’t make up the difference between the monthly benefit and the actual charge, you can wind up spending your savings paying the difference and have to apply for Medicaid long before you use up the whole six years. If you would like to do a consultation with me to discuss alternate ideas, please complete the short questionnaire at https://www.gotltci.com/contact-us/ and let me know. No obligation to buy anything of course.
Phyllis, I am 60 and going thru the whole process of selecting LTC insurance with my financial advisor. We have had 2 or 3 meetings regarding enrolling in a traditional policy, also perhaps going the hybrid route with a life insurance plan with an upfront lump-sum or 10-pay with LTC riders using accelerated death benefits. Of course, all these options are expensive and appear to have different advantages / disadvantages, so I haven’t decided yet.
One option my advisor wants me to explore is a dual option. It sounds like a traditional policy with a lower monthly benefit and therefore lower premium, in conjunction with a hybrid policy requiring a smaller lump sum that I could more easily afford. This strategy would still be weighted more toward the traditionally policy, with the hybrid policy being used only if necessary. An example would be a $4,000/month trad partnership policy with a $2,000/month hybrid policy. My guess is that the advantage here would be lower traditional policy premiums, and if I don’t ever need LTC or need it sparingly, then the death benefit to my beneficiary from the hybrid policy would help mitigate the premiums I had paid into the trad policy.
We haven’t gone into the details of this, so I hope I am representing above what he says correctly. Do you have comments on such a dual approach to LTC?
Author
I think this is an excellent suggestion from your advisor. I have done this for several people as well. You just want to be sure that between the two policies, you have enough to achieve your coverage goal at claim time. Here’s an excerpt from the article I posted on Dec. 16th to explain how I do it:
Hope this is helpful.
Thank you very much for your feedback!
i need more info? Is the benefit period only 3 years?
Author
There are many benefit periods available Bonnie. This is just showing a sample. If you would like to talk with me to look at all the options with no obligation, just go to https://www.gotltci.com/contact-us and complete the short questionnaire. We will get back with you shortly to set up a convenient time. Again, no obligation.
This is way more helpful than annithyg else I’ve looked at.
ABCs of Long Term Care Insurance will not open on a Mac.
Author
That is correct. Please email lawrence@ltcconsultants.com for a hard copy. Thank you! Phyllis Shelton
I am single 60 years old and in good health ( I also do not take any medication). Will appreciate your advic on LTC I currently live in NYC.
Author
Hello Yamina Yes I am very happy to help you. My staff will be in touch with you tomorrow to set up a no-obligation time for us to talk. Here’s a link to my little ABCs of Long-Term Care Insurance that you can review in the meantime.
Hello I was referred by Suze Orman I am 51 years old and single in great health. No medication. active and feel great. Need some help on if I need a LTCI and how much etc. Thanks!
Cell 808-443-1838
Author
Hi Skylar – so glad to hear from you! Congratulations on reaching out. Planning for long-term care is so very, very important, especially for a single person. You will hear from Lawrence on my staff shortly to set up a convenient time for a personal consultation with me.