Are AARP Discounts and Products the Best Deals?

There are several important facts about long-term care insurance that every consumer should know. It will help them get the very best coverage for the very best (lowest) cost.

Each insurer has "sweet spots" in terms of preferred prospects and also health requirements. Simply stated, an insurer that may have the lowest rate for a 55-year-old, may not have the lowest rate for a 64-year-old. An insurer that finds a particular health condition (or combination of medicines you take) acceptable may not look favorably on a different set of circumstances.

And, finally, rates can and do vary from one insurer to another. That's very important because unlike other forms of insurance protection where you can switch from one company to another at some future point, it almost never pays to switch your long-term care insurance.

The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance recently compared rates for a typical 55-year-old. While most insurers had pretty comparable rates, some cost a few hundred dollars more ... and one was almost $1,000 more each year. Bottom line, it always pays to work with a knowledgeable professional in your state who can get you the best protection for the best price.

The Association has much information available for those interested and even an online look-up to find local long-term care insurance professionals. Not sure if we are permitted to give our website but it is http://www.aaltci.org

Jesse Slome, Executive Director

American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance

Jesse Slome of CA 12:55PM January 22, 2009