Here are my comments about a piece in the April 13, 2011 StarTribune, titled, “Keep those fingers crossed: long-term care insurance“. The reporter, Katy Read, is trying to do the right thing but failing:

Katy, you have attempted to do the right thing by imparting some truthful and accurate information about the odds of needing long-term care and the cost of LTC insurance (LTCi).

Unfortunately for the public you strive to help, you have sandwiched this info into a bad spin. You have erroneously stated, twice, once in the first paragraph, that LTCi is expensive. This indicates to me that you, like the public you seek to inform, are in denial that you might need care. If this is what you think, even if subconsciously, even a $100/year LTCi premium might be too high.

The truth is that contrasted with how likely it is any of us will need care (which you correctly state in your article), and how many thousands upon thousands of dollars people are collecting from their LTCi, the premium is paltry.

It would be great if reporters could get the perspective correct and stop unfairly maligning this essential coverage. I say LTCi is essential, but this is only if one wants to make certain they have all their care choices and options and wish to preserve their wealth without being forced to liquidate it under penalty or stress. If you won’t mind suffering such consequences, you don’t need LTCi.

It would be great if you could report on how easily, well and often these policies pay, and how much better life and legacy turns out for LTCi owners and their families when care is needed.
Honey Leveen
www.honeyleveen.com