Disqus - Latest Comments for jesseslome

Re: States try to beat back rate increases on long-term-care policies

jesseslome — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 16:09:54 -0000

This is a very complicated issue. First, let's start with the positives. Insurers pay out Billions in claims every year and will pay out over $100 billion in long-term care insurance claims over the next decade. Second, NOT all policies are incurring rate increases. But, those that included a 5% inflation growth option have been particularly impacted. Finally (to keep this short) it's never a take-it-or-leave-it option facing a consumer. The insurer might offer the policyholder with 5% the ability to reduce the inflation growth to 2.8% (and then there is NO premium increase).

For a client like Madelaine, the real question is what would the insurer pay if both you and your spouse each had a five year claim? My guess is your policy might pay out close to $1 million (combined). Now, admittedly that's not a very likely scenario. But, it could happen ... and if it did ... that $45,000 would have been the best money you and your family ever spent.

That's just the way insurance works. But, understandably, no one likes to pay more (myself included!),
Jesse Slome
American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance

Re: Harleysville Medicare specialist added to National Medicare Agent Directory

jesseslome — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 21:40:09 -0000

Good for you. Very proud to include you among the nation's best Medicare Insurance Resources.
Jesse Slome, director
American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance

Re: The Long-Term Care Insurance Evolution Continues

jesseslome — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 13:32:50 -0000

If anyone wants LTC Awareness Month banners please email me Jesse Slome, American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance http://www.aaltci.org https://uploads.disquscdn.c...

Re: Standard Medigap plans are learning some new tricks

jesseslome — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 13:14:56 -0000

Valuable information and thanks for sharing. Medigap sales continue to grow and what we've learned is that it really pays to compare because everything can vary right down to your Zip Code. There's a Find A Local Agent look-up on the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance's website (www.medicaresupp.org). It's free and you see their info (they don't know who you are until you decide to reach out to someone). That's a really valuable benefit to complement good info!

Re: MassMutual finds lingering demand for LTCI

jesseslome — Thu, 19 May 2016 11:29:39 -0000

Interesting timing considering we have been told that Mass Mutual will cease allowing brokers to sell their long-term care insurance policy. They will limit to their career agency folks.

Re: SXSW PanelPicker

jesseslome — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 16:59:01 -0000

Using data to create and incent change ... what a powerful idea.

Re: Federal Long Term Care Insurance Rates Going Up for New Enrollees

jesseslome — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 14:39:51 -0000

When insurance companies (including OPM) raise rates on existing policyholders they always offer options. When the last major rate increase was offered only 1.6 (less than 2%) of plan participants dropped their coverage. In fact, many re-evaluated their coverage and actually changed and paid less.
Jesse Slome
American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance

Re: Can you afford to live to 100?

jesseslome — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 16:14:13 -0000

A PS: Between 20 and 44% of people who apply for long term care insurance are declined by the insurer. Folks with health issues or who may be 70 or older should consider a "short term care" insurance policy. Could just fit the bill and much easier to qualify for. Learn more at www.aaltci.org/stcnow

Re: Can you afford to live to 100?

jesseslome — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 16:12:30 -0000

Good advice. A complex topic to cover so quickly especially because you only buy this protection once and costs and policy options can really vary. This is one time it really pays to work with a knowledgeable specialist.
Jesse Slome
American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance
http://www.aaltci.org

Re: Kennedy-Backed Long-Term Care Program Scrapped by Sebelius - Businessweek

jesseslome — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:03:26 -0000

Ignoring the problem will not make it disappear and we look forward to more realistic approaches that can help Americans face and address this issue. But it's likely workable solutions that do not require taxpayer dollars won't be found for many years.

That is why we call on all Americans between the ages of 52 and 67 (the sweet spot for long-term care planning) to take some personal responsibility and develop their own long-term care plan which could be setting aside sufficient savings, opting for some insurance protection to cover part of the cost or any of the other viable options. The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance has 2 free consumer guides available at http://www.aaltci.org/long-... and no sign in is required.

Jesse Slome
American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance
http://www.aaltci.org

Re: Kennedy-Backed Long-Term Care Program Scrapped by Sebelius - Businessweek

jesseslome — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 22:13:54 -0000

The cessation of efforts to implement the CLASS Act does not eliminate the financial long-term care tsunami about to impact American families and taxpayers who already bear much of the cost.
Ignoring the problem will not make it disappear and we look forward to more realistic approaches that can help Americans face and address this issue.

That said, Americans between the ages of 52 and 67 (the sweet spot for long-term care planning) really must take some personal responsibility or face the dire consequences. The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance has 2 free consumer guides available at http://www.aaltci.org/long-... and no sign in is required.

Jesse Slome
American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance
http://www.aaltci.org

Re: U.S. Won’t Start Long-Term Care Insurance, Sebelius Says - Businessweek

jesseslome — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:54:58 -0000

Jesse Slome
American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance
http://www.aaltci.org

Re: Fix Your Focus | LifeHealthPro

jesseslome — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:47:42 -0000

If you want the best generic marketing tools to help you sell more LTC insurance + the 2011 and the 2012 LTCi Sourcebooks, then join the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance. The cost is $98 for a full year of benefits and I promise that you will not be disappointed.
Click this link to join online: http://www.aaltci.org/join

Not convinced yet? Then click this link to watch a brief video or just some of the benefits of belonging. http://www.aaltci.org/video

Jesse Slome
American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance
http://www.aaltci.org

Re: What are the pros and cons of swapping long term care insurance for a variable annuity? - The Help Desk

jesseslome — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:52:50 -0000

Wow is right. The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance doesn't sell BUT I would like to offer you a free comparsion because $12,000 sounds so unreasonable that something is indeed wrong. If you have health conditions, NEVER drop coverage until an insurer accepts you -- they all have some form of health requirement. But our latest study of all insurers found that a 60 year old couple would pay $3,395 (combined) for a policy that paid $338,000 in immediate benefits or $708,650 when they reached ages 85. I'm not sure if they'll permit a phone number but do a Google search for the Association and I have to know what on earth you get for $12,000.
Jesse Slome
Executive Director
American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance

Re: Providers outraged: 'Gang of Six' spending proposal would eliminate CLASS Act - McKnight's Long Term Care News

jesseslome — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:40:23 -0000

True, the repeal of CLASS would remove another revenue source for long term care providers who have come to depend on government (taxpayer) programs. But it's really short-term thinking because ultimately younger taxpayers will rebel and demad that limited funds be used for education of their children, and no6t care for aging baby boomers. CLASS will not save taxpayers money (name one government program that has really delivered on that promise). It's not a program for seniors (they are not eligible).
But, here's the challenge. It's been 16 months since health care reform passed. Give HHS 30 days to finalize the actual proposed pricing for CLASS Act (their actuaries already know what they need to charge). Then the program can really be evaluated (sans hyperbole). Until then it all sounds oh so wonderful that anyone who raises an objection sounds anti-American (when the opposite might just be the case). "Where's The Price?"
Jesse SlomeExecutive DirectorAmerican Association for Long-Term Care Insurance
http://www.aaltci.org

Re: IRS Raises Deductibility Limits for LTC Insurance

jesseslome — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 09:58:45 -0000

The author has correctly positioned the info but let me try to address some of the questions posed. The levels are increased for 2011. But tax-qualified policies in prior years have their own levels for each year (2009, 2010 ... etc.). There are specific rules for individuals and each type of business entity. True, few individuals qualify since they must meet the 7.5% threshold for medical expenses. That said, we've seen an increasing number who do (in part because of high deductible health insurance and even dental expenses), We publish explanations of all the rules online and have a great guide for accountants.
Jesse Slome
Director
American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance
http://www.aaltci.org

Re: 10 Tips to Find Long-Term Care Insurance

jesseslome — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 10:12:10 -0000

Good coverage. A couple of important points for consumers. 1) Insurers require applicants meet health requirements, and so it's smart to start looking into this in your 50s (because that's when health changes start to occur in many of us). 2) Rates can vary by as much as 60% annually from one company to another and that's a good reason to shop around and work with a competent professional who shops the market for you. 3) Employer LTC plans are great but if you are married and in good health, discounts could make individual coverage less expensive (that's when it's most advisable to compare).
Jesse Slome
Executive Director
American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance
http://www.aaltci.org

Re: Plan Now for Illness, Medicare 'Impoverishment' - TheStreet

jesseslome — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 09:07:44 -0000

As more people hide money (estate planning attornies call it transfer) in order to qualify for Medicaid-paid long-term care, the nation faces only two options: raise Medicare/Medicaid taxes or reduce benefits to others (such as children). The system that works today for those in their 70s and 80s can't last much longer. Those in their 50s and early 60s need to realize there will only be two options, plan your own future (save or buy insurance to pay costs) or be subject to whatever government plans exist when yoy ultimately need services years from now.

Jesse Slome

Executive Director

American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance

Re: Ask Kim: What are the benefits of long-term-care partnerships? | Washington Examiner

jesseslome — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:25:00 -0000

The Partnership program is especially designed to make long-term care insurance more attractive and affordable for middle income persons. Important facts to know are that you must health qualify for this protection, and there are many ways to "right size" your protection and bring the cost way down.

The cost for LTC insurance can vary significantly from one insurer to another. That's why one really wants to talk to a knowledgeable professional with access to more than one policy.

May I suggest one visit the Consumer Information Center of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance. It is the best unbiased source of information on long-term care insurance freely accessible to the general public. Click on this link http://www.aaltci.org/long-term-care-insurance/
.

Jesse Slome
Executive Director
American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance
http://www.aaltci.org/

Re: Ask Kim: What are the benefits of long-term-care partnerships? | Washington Examiner

jesseslome — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:24:33 -0000

The cost for LTC insurance can vary significantly from one insurer to another. That's why one really wants to talk to a knowledgeable professional with access to more than one policy.

Jesse Slome
Executive Director
American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance
http://www.aaltci.org/

Re: Facing up to the costs of long-term care

jesseslome — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:11:22 -0000

A lot of good information. May I suggest those interested in learning more visit the Consumer Information Center for the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance: http://www.aaltci.org/long-term-care-insurance/ . All free, no obligation.
Jesse Slome
Executive Director
American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance
http://www.aaltci.org/ .

Re: FINANCIAL FOCUS: Long-term care insurance helps you grow wiser today, older tomorrow | West Virginia Record

jesseslome — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:08:33 -0000

One additional point. For detailed information on tax deductibility for long-term care insurance, go to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance. http://www.aaltci.org/tax

Re: FINANCIAL FOCUS: Long-term care insurance helps you grow wiser today, older tomorrow | West Virginia Record

jesseslome — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:07:19 -0000

Good advice. Two inportant facts to add. Costs for long-term care insurance vary significantly from one company to the next and thus it pays to speak to a professional who has access to policies from various insurers (some favor singles, some couples). It's also vital to apply while you are still in relatively good health. One must "health qualify" for this protection. Again, the acceptable conditions vary. Some will offer protection even to those who had a serious condition a few years back. It pays to ask now rather than waiting.

Jesse Slome
Executive Director
American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance
http://www.aaltci.org

Re: Movers & Shakers | March 18 - Bellevue Reporter

jesseslome — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:05:19 -0000

Congratulations to carol Guilbault, one of the nation's top producers. May I suggest that consumers interested in learning more about long-term care insurance visit the Consumer Information Center of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance. It has the most comprehensive and current information on pricing, top LTC insurers, how to save and even the latest tax deductibility rules from the Internal Revenue Service and states. It is available free of charge from the industry's trade organization.

On that site you can type in your zip code and connect with experts like Carol or others in your community.

Click on this link now to access the Consumer Information Center of the American Association for http://www.aaltci.org/long-....

Jesse Slome
Executive Director
American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance
http://www.aaltci.org/