Monday, August 1, 2011

What age is too young for long-term care planning?

The American Association of Long-Term Care Insurance surveyed LTC insurers at the end of 2007 and the youngest policyholders receiving benefit payments are ages 23 and 25.

Yesterday's image of long term care is something that people need when they are old … and old is subjective. It is true that most people will need long-term care as a result of getting older. But, younger people have accidents -- skiing, riding motorcycles all come to mind. Surgery will fix that busted knee -- but you'll need long-term care for months of recovery and your health insurance doesn't cover that. And, younger people get illnesses in their 40s and 50s like MS and Parkinson's that can require the need for years of care. Just something to think about.