Make a New Year Resolution

If you are reading this it means the Mayans were wrong and the world did not end. 

Is that anything like the "Fiscal Cliff"?  Probably not.  That's the good news. 

Of course now you have one less excuse as to why you have not taken responsibility for your future long term care needs.  This time of year our thoughts are on family, friends, holiday celebrations, followed by New Year Resolutions. 

Here is one to consider:  Plan now to not be a burden on all of those folks you are spending quality time with this week and next.  Using one of our long term care insurance plans will make it possible for you to leave a legacy to your loved ones or a charity while assuring you of getting the best care where you choose.  Most folks want to stay at home when they are unable to care for themselves.
 
Fact Check: The cost to receive care at home ranges from $3,000 - $20,000  per month.  Would you rather have that check come from the insurance policy as tax free dollars or from your hard earned savings after taxes?  Even my clients that have incomes and savings in the top 1% understand that is better to leverage their money and they choose to insure. 

Procrastination is a terrible affliction.  You will never be younger or healthier than you are today.  Tomorrow any change in health could make you instantly uninsurable.  The time is now to do the responsible thing.  Schedule to meet with a licensed LTC professional and get informed.  Then you will have all the facts. You know that a responsible, informed adult can make a better decision in the New Year.

How will the election affect my ability to get long term care?

I have been asked this question by everyone I met this week. Hundreds of millions of dollars were spent on advertising messages and no one is any clearer on the important issues.
Folks, the changes that will be coming due to the PPACA (Obama Care) will reduce funding for Medicare and Medicaid. More of the cost will be shifted to States and individuals. This makes the decision to plan for your future needs even more important. For those who think of themselves as conservatives, the watchword is self reliance. If you have not secured LTC insurance how will you be "self reliant".
Dave Ramsey, a nationally sydicated writer and radio host recently addressed the question of long term care insurance. He advised that unless you can fund 20 years of care for you and your spouse out of savings, get the insurance. Today one year of care runs $30 - $100,000. In the next 15 years it could easily double.  Most of the population will experience signifigant health changes before they turn 60.  I assert that you need to address this in your 40's and 50's while you still can health qualify.  Don't sit and sulk about it.  Do something.  Call an expert and get educated so that you can decide how to best prepare for your future.
http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2012/11/20/do-really-need-long-term-care-insurance/