You Might Want to Think About Buying Long Term Care Insurance

Article submitted by Lee Scher, CSA LTCP. He may be reached at 480-282-4444, or visit his website at www.leescher.com.

Many Seniors, like yourself, see friends and neighbors and relatives having medical problems that the Medicare system fails to adequately address. Becoming ill, disabled, or incapacitated are very real possibilities as we grow older. That's why I urge you to speak to a Long Term Care Insurance advocate.

44% of Americans past the age of 65 will enter a nursing home. It's a simple fact of life.

People with a prolonged physical illness, disability, or cognitive impairment (such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's) often require long-term care. Long-term care may not improve or correct a medical problem, but it will help with the activities of daily living, home health care, respite care, adult day care, and care in a nursing home or assisted-living facility. It may also include management services, which evaluate your needs, as well as coordinating and monitoring the delivery of long-term care.

Many long-term care insurance policies begin after the elimination period, if some of the activities of daily living (such as bathing, eating, dressing, toileting, et cetera) are not being met. If you have a cognitive impairment, the long-term care policy will also start paying its benefits.

In 2001, the average cost of nursing home care was $56,000 per year (or about $153 per day). This figure does not include therapy and medications.

Let's face it. Most people don't have enough savings to meet the expense of long-term care-nor do they wish to squander their assets in this fashion. And most people don't trust the government to be there for them.

You have an opportunity to purchase Long-Term Care Insurance before disaster strikes. And premiums are based on age and health-so it's less expensive for you to buy Long-Term Care Insurance now.

Remember, the threat is real. The clock is ticking. And you're probably not going to get any healthier.

You might want to think about it...but don't take too long.