Monday, August 18, 2014

AARP Long Term Care Insurance Misconceptions


Consumers mistakenly believe AARP,  formerly the American Association of Retired Persons, offers AARP long term care insurance policies says the head of the American Association for Long Term Care Insurance.

“At one time, AARP had long term care insurance policies but no longer,” explains Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance.  Slome was a guest on a radio financial talk show answering consumer inquiries.

“AARP makes its income off insurance product sales by endorsing providers,” Slome noted.  According to Wikipedia data, AARP made $652 million in royalties from insurance companies that sold products referred by AARP and an additional $120 million for advertisements placed in its publications.  “This was from 2008 data and at that time, AARP did offer an endorsed long term care insurance policy but that’s no longer the case.”

Slome explained to consumers that every product has advantages and disadvantages.  “It’s good that people trust a brand name but that doesn’t mean it’s their best option and certainly may not be the best price.”

The American Association for Long Term Care Insurance is a national member-supported organization that advocates for sound and responsible planning for the real risk of needing long term care services.  The national organization is headquartered in Westlake Village, CA.