In 1994, 7.3 million Americans needed long term care (LTC) services at an average cost of nearly $43,800 per year. By 2000 the number had risen to 9 million Americans at nearly $55,750 per year, and due to inflation, by 2060 it will skyrocket to 24 million Americans paying over $250,000 per year to receive long term care.

   Most people mistakenly believe that Medicare will cover the cost of long term care. The reality is that Medicare only covers nursing home costs for a very short period following a hospital stay to recuperate from an acute illness or injury.

   If you are like me, you want to avoid any contact with a predatory salesman - and there's plenty of them out there. Still, you need to collaborate with a licensed individual to research long term care.

What is the answer?

• Avoid "captive agents" who just represent one company. Your interests are best served when you work collaboratively with an independent agent / broker. The independent agent / broker will be able to present several top companies for you to consider. That is what you want - a selection of top quality carriers.
  
  
• Long distance expertise is better than local inexperience. Geographic distance can, in fact, assure you freedom from agent bias or influence, so you can make your final decision as you want - in private. For a decision of this far - reaching importance, you most certainly want to ally yourself with a specialist whose primary focus is long term care insurance with your best interest at heart. I can't stress this enough.

   Long term care insurance is not a "one size fits all" product. The policies are highly personalized to fit your specific needs. So, before you get a quote, you need to work with a pro to analyze your circumstances and see how much coverage you actually need. Then you can compare various products 'apples to apples".

   Some people think that they can figure out their long term care purchases on their own, they want total control. Don't go there! These are usually the folks who end up having a less than pleasurable buying experience AND run the risk of buying coverage that doesn't meet their needs. It takes years to become an expert. The safest way is to work with a pro agent / broker you can trust. However, finding one may not be so easy.

   Your helpful, local agent may be great with auto, health or life insurance, but long term care insurance is a much different animal. In fact, most agents and financial planners either avoid long term care or offer a single product only - and that one particular product may not be the best one for you.

   A well - chosen long term care policy can save you thousands of dollars in premium expense each year - and hundreds of thousands in future care expenses - plus stress and strain on spouse and family. Long term care insurance is not something to take lightly. Long term care insurance is the very foundation of a sensible retirement - your future financial security, comfort and peace.

Our specialists provide the following policy features:

• Protect your assets, life's savings, and the future for your and your family
• Home and community - based care
• Care at home provided by family and friends
• Nursing home care
• Assisted care living facilities
• Hospice care
• Respite for the caregiver
• Alternate plans of care
• Special medical equipment

   Long term care insurance is becoming a major concern for consumers, and for good reason. Studies show that 50% of all Americans may need some form of long term care during their lifetime. Both young and old will be affected, since 40% of the individuals who receive such care are under the age of 65.

Our associates are ready to assist.

With Kindest Regards,
Bob Puckett