Who is a good candidate for long-term care?

Asked by: Dorcas Daniel  |  Last update: February 22, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (4 votes)

The best candidates for long term care insurance are those individuals who are healthy and 50-plus years old. Just know that the longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes. If you have ongoing health conditions then chances are you will be uninsurable, which is another reason to get it early.

Who are the best candidates for long-term care costs?

The bottom line

The best candidates are typically those in good health who purchase policies in their 50s or early 60s, have stable financial resources to maintain premium payments and want to protect their assets from potential long-term care costs.

Why would someone be denied long-term care insurance?

When it comes to getting long-term care insurance, your current health matters. In fact, one of the biggest reasons people are denied long-term care insurance is because they have a pre-existing medical condition or disability that makes it more likely they'll require care sooner.

Who would most likely need long-term care insurance?

According to the Department of Health and Human Services research, 51% of women aged 65 and over will need paid long-term care. Meanwhile, 39% of men who are 65-plus will need such care. That differential helps explain why long-term-care insurance is typically more expensive for women than men.

Who would be the most likely candidate for purchasing a LTC policy?

Who would be the most likely candidate for purchasing a LTC policy? Those who have the resources to pay the premiums. Long term care is especially needed when an elderly person requires assistance with activities of daily living due to: Physical or cognitive impairments.

Are You a Good Candidate for Long Term Care Insurance? (part_91)

27 related questions found

What is the best age to get LTC?

If you don't want to read the full explanation, we'll tell you that for most people. the best age to apply is in your mid-50s. . You can lock in your good health and today there are policies that allow you to buy some coverage now and add to it in future years.

Which of the following would be the best candidate for long-term care insurance?

The best candidates for long-term care insurance are people whose financial well-being would be jeopardized by long-term care expenses. People at the low end of the economic scale have no assets to protect, and people at the high end can pay their own long-term care expenses without endangering their financial health.

What is the biggest drawback of long-term care insurance?

One of the biggest drawbacks of getting long-term care insurance is the risk of losing all the premiums you have paid over the years. If you end up not needing long-term care services, you won't be eligible for coverage. This means the money you've spent for coverage goes down the drain.

What is the best age to get long-term care insurance?

The Best Age To Buy

The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI) says that the largest cohort of individuals taking out an LTC policy do so between the ages of 55 and 64. 3 That may seem early, considering the vast majority of claims occur when people are in their 70s or 80s.

What are the odds I will need long-term care?

Basic Needs

Here are some statistics (all are "on average") you should consider: Someone turning age 65 today has almost a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care services and supports in their remaining years. Women need care longer (3.7 years) than men (2.2 years)

Does Medicare pay for long-term care?

Long-term care

Long-term supports and services can be provided at home, in the community, in assisted living, or in nursing homes. Individuals may need long-term supports and services at any age. Medicare and most health insurance plans don't pay for long-term care.

What disqualifies someone from assisted living?

If a senior could jeopardize the safety and health of other residents, the senior may be denied admission to an assisted living facility. Some of the most common conditions for disqualification include seniors who have severe memory impairments, who need extensive medical care, or who are bedridden.

What is a functional assessment for long-term care?

Functional assessments are tools that states, providers, and managed care plans use to collect comprehensive information on persons applying for, and participants in, Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) and long-term services and supports (LTSS) programs.

What pays for most long-term care?

The most common source of assistance is Medicaid, which offers several state-based programs to people who are eligible based on income or disability. These programs include home- and community-based services, adult foster care, and Medicaid personal care services.

How much net worth do you need to avoid long-term care insurance?

LTC insurance is recommended for individuals and families under the age of 65 with $1.5 million to $3 million in investable assets. The reason for the limitation on net worth and age is because of the cost of coverage, compared to what you receive.

What is the least expensive type of long-term care?

What is the least expensive type of long-term care?
  • Home healthcare: This includes home health aides and any other long-term care support you receive at home.
  • Assisted living communities: This type of long-term care provides housing with round-the-clock staff to help with basic daily living activities.

Is 65 too late to buy long-term care insurance?

The bottom line. Long-term care insurance is worth considering, even if you're 65 years-old. In fact, if you're 65, it's important that you purchase a policy as soon as possible.

At what age do experts recommend people start planning for long-term care?

According to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, 30.4% of people between the ages of 60 and 64 will be declined for the insurance. Partly for this reason, they recommend applying for coverage in your mid-50s.

What percentage of people actually use their long-term care insurance?

If you purchase that type of coverage, your lifetime chance of using policy benefits will fall somewhere between 35% and 50% -- because most people buy this coverage and use it to get care in their own home.

Who would most likely benefit from long-term care insurance?

Age and Life Expectancy: The longer you live, the more likely it is that you will need long-term care. The younger you are when you buy the insurance, the lower your premiums will be. Gender: Women are more likely to need long-term care because they have longer life expectancies and often outlive their husbands.

What is the downfall to long-term coverage?

The cost of the premiums

A primary concern for individuals considering long-term care insurance is the cost of premiums. The ongoing financial commitment can be significant and there is always the risk of paying for coverage that may never be utilized.

Who is more likely to need long-term care?

Seniors aged 65 have a nearly 70% chance of requiring long-term care services in the future. Women (3.7 years) stay in long-term care facilities longer than men (2.2 years).

What are the two qualifying benefit triggers under a long-term care insurance policy?

There are multiple events that can trigger long-term care insurance benefits. An inability to complete two of the six activities of daily living for 90 days or longer or a cognitive impairment will typically act as triggers. Also, depending on your policy, the need for standby assistance may be a benefit trigger.

Who is the best candidate for long-term care insurance?

In order to maximize insurability and any potential health rate discounts, we recommend a target age range between 45 and 65. Clients with many chronic illnesses will likely not qualify for long-term care insurance, but they may be insurable for a short-term care insurance policy.