A couple in their 60s purchasing new long-term-care insurance coverage can expect to pay between six and nine percent more compared to a year ago, according to the annual industry analysis of prices by The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance.

"A typical couple where both spouses are age 60 will pay between $100 and $150 a month each for long-term care insurance protection," reports Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI). The national trade group just released its 2017 Long-Term Care Insurance Price Index, an annual examination of costs for new policies available.

"We advocate for a 'Good-Better-Best' approach to long-term-care planning," Slome explains.   Good coverage that Slome shares provides benefits for up to 360 days, with a benefit pool that increases each year as the policyholder ages.

"For many individuals who ultimately need long-term care, this is going to be sufficient or good coverage, and it's certainly going to be far more affordable," Slome adds.  About half (41%) of current long-term-care insurance claims end within one year, according to AALTCI data.

According to the 2017 LTC Price Index, new policy rates for a 60-year-old couple increased between six and nine percent, compared to the prior year.

Rates for single men remained fairly level or, in some instances, actually declined, compared to 2016, reports AALTCI.   "Our rate comparison for a single 55-year-old man showed a year-to-year decline of 20 percent in some instances," Slome acknowledges.   A single male, age 55, could anticipate paying anywhere from $90 to about $150-per-month for long-term care insurance available from some of the leading insurers.

Costs for virtually identical policy coverage still vary significantly from one insurer to the next, according to AALTCI's 2017 Price Index.    "Insurers each set their own rates and the price for virtually identical coverage can vary," Slome states.    The AALTCI analysis found rates varied by as much as 70 percent, which is a decrease from the prior year when some costs ranged by 94 percent.  "You generally only buy long term care insurance once; so it's important to do it correctly the first time," Slome adds.

Ayo Mseka
Editor-in-Chief