Tag Archives: Denise Gott

ACSIA Partners Offers Decision Funnel for Quick and Easy Long-Term Care Choices

KIRKLAND, Wash. /ScoopCloud/ -- Many Americans spend hours investigating long-term care options online, only to come away confused and dispirited. Now there's another way to go. It's a by-phone Decision Funnel designed to cut through the complexity. Offered by ACSIA Partners, the service will be delivered by real human specialists, not phone robots.

Available in all states, the specialists are licensed long-term care agents trained to cut through the confusion, make choices clear, and leave it at that. ACSIA Partners is one of the nation's largest long-term care insurance agencies.

Going quickly down the Decision Funnel, "Our specialists will be in educator mode, not sales mode," says Denise Gott, the company's CEO. "They will quickly determine whether LTC protection is called for, and if it is, what kind might make sense. Then the call will end, often in just minutes."

If information about specific financial instruments is desired, it may be supplied on a subsequent call, according to Gott.

Depending on individual needs and financial circumstances, the instruments may be:
* Traditional long-term care insurance
* A variety of products offering long-term care riders
* Savings, such as a tax-advantaged Health Savings Account.

The by-phone Decision Funnel sessions are available in all states for consumers, financial advisors on behalf of their clients, and companies exploring LTC protection for their employees.

Decision Funnel sessions may be requested at (866) 471-4072.

About ACSIA Partners:

ACSIA Partners LLC -- https://www.acsiapartners.com/ -- is one of America's largest and most experienced long-term care insurance agencies serving all states. The company is also a co-founder and sponsor of the "3in4 Need More" campaign, which encourages Americans to form a long-term care plan.

*IMAGE for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0531s2p-acsia-funnel-300dpi.jpg
*Image Caption: Decision Funnel service from ACSIA Partners.

Many Americans spend hours investigating long-term care options online, only to come away confused and dispirited. Now there's another way to go. It's a by-phone Decision Funnel designed to cut through the complexity. Offered by ACSIA Partners, the service will be delivered by real human specialists, not phone robots.

Long-Term Care Insurance Is a Gift for the Whole Family, ACSIA Partners Says

KIRKLAND, Wash. /ScoopCloud/ -- If you want to brighten the lives of everyone in your family, "Consider the gift of long-term care insurance," says Denise Gott, CEO of ACSIA Partners, a leader in long-term care planning.

"Whether you get the policy for yourself or for aging parents, it's really a gift for everyone," Gott asserts.

"Different family members benefit in different ways at different times," she says, "but everyone stands to benefit overall." For example:

* If you get a policy for yourself or spouse, you protect your assets and the future of your entire extended family. "With money available to pay for care," says Gott, "your savings and property won't be as vulnerable to unexpected care costs. And you may avoid relying on your children or other relatives to pay for your care." This knowledge alone can ease tensions and make the holiday season more pleasant, Gott points out.

* If you get a policy for aging parents, everyone benefits, not just them. "Your parents may live the rest of their lives with greater security and less fear," says Gott, "but you may also benefit. You guard against sudden, large care expenses down the pike, which could be disruptive. And you gain more control over your own future." For example, she explains, there's less likelihood you or your spouse will have to leave a job to provide care personally.

* Your children stand to benefit, too. With care expenses made more manageable through planning, educational plans can be made with greater certainty. "It's less likely you'll ever have to choose between tuition for your kids and care for your parents or spouse," says Gott.

* Added reward from Uncle Sam. A portion of long-term care premiums may be deducted on federal income tax returns. Tax deductions or credits are also available in many states. "It's like a gift, a nice incentive, and it keeps recurring," says Gott. "You can set yourself up for 2016 and every year after."

"Long-term care insurance is truly a gift that keeps on giving," says Gott. "You'll have less to worry about this holiday season, and every holiday season from here on. You can relax and enjoy the festivities and one another."

Shopping for long-term care insurance is made easy on the ACSIA Partners website: http://www.acsiapartners.com/.

Visitors may explore a range of affordable long-term care planning options including critical illness insurance, annuities, and life insurance with LTC riders as well as traditional LTC insurance. By-phone or face-to-face meetings with local agents are also available.

ACSIA Partners LLC -- http://www.acsiapartners.com -- is one of America's largest and most experienced long-term care insurance solution agencies. The company is also a co-founder and sponsor of the "3in4 Need More" campaign, run by the 3in4 Association, which encourages Americans to form a long-term care plan.

If you want to brighten the lives of everyone in your family, "Consider the gift of long-term care insurance," says Denise Gott, CEO of ACSIA Partners, a leader in long-term care planning. "Whether you get the policy for yourself or for aging parents, it's really a gift for everyone."

ACSIA Partners Seeks 150 New Agents to Serve Growing Segments of Its Long-Term Care Planning Business

KIRKLAND, Wash. /ScoopCloud/ -- The long-term care insurance market seems to be in turmoil thanks to rate increases, waning consumer demand, and carriers exiting the business. Pessimism prevails, but not for ACSIA Partners, one of America's largest long-term care insurance agencies. The company is quite bullish, in fact. "We're looking for 150 new agents," says Denise Gott, CEO. "We need them right now to handle current need and projected demand." What's going on?

The company is not immune to the industry turmoil. "Our traditional business, individual LTC insurance, has temporarily levelled off," she says, "but it's still substantial and continuing; and two new segments are surging: hybrid care solutions and worksite plans."

Hybrid solutions are annuities or life insurance policies with long-term care riders. They are based on tangible assets that may be tapped to pay for care when needed. This has several advantages that make them attractive buys:
* Premiums can never increase.
* Benefits cannot change.
* Funds not used for long-term care go to beneficiaries tax-free.

Also, "It's easy to add a care rider to instruments the client needs anyway, like a life policy or annuity," says Gott.

Worksite plans are group or multi-life plans that offer long-term care protection as an employee benefit. "They're in demand because they appeal to both the company and the employee," says Gott.
* The plans bolster employee effectiveness and earning power. In the absence of LTC plans, long term care issues cost American industry $29 billion annually in lost productivity, according to a study by the MetLife Mature Market Institute. And employees jeopardize their income when they have to assume care duties.
* The plans offer multiple tax benefits. Premiums can be 100% tax-deductible to a business. For employees, premiums are not considered income, and the benefits received are generally tax-free.
* Economies of scale simplify everything. For example, there is relaxed health screening; and group rates keep premium costs down.

"Advantages like these make worksite LTC a no-brainer," says Gott. "And we think it could become as common as group healthcare, which has become the norm for most employers."

"Overall, for businesses as well as families, the need for LTC solutions is enormous," says Gott. "That's why we're so bullish."

Also, Gott predicts that the traditional LTC insurance business will start growing again fairly soon. "There are products out there, already developed, but sitting on carriers' shelves because the near-zero interest rate environment makes them uneconomic. As soon as interest rates start going up again, it's a whole new ballgame."

"So we're looking for 150 senior solutions agents to join us in serving this large and growing market." Information for candidates is available at https://www.acsiapartners.com/career-center/.

For employers interested in group protection for their employees, information is available at https://www.acsiapartners.com/business-owners/.

Information for consumers is available at https://www.acsiapartners.com/consumers/.

About ACSIA Partners LLC:

ACSIA Partners LLC -- https://www.acsiapartners.com -- serves organizations as well as families in all states. The company is also a co-founder and sponsor of the "3in4 Need More" campaign, which encourages Americans to form a long-term care plan.

The long-term care insurance market seems to be in turmoil thanks to rate increases, waning consumer demand, and carriers exiting the business. Pessimism prevails, but not for ACSIA Partners, one of America's largest long-term care insurance agencies.

Do-It-Yourself Long-Term Care Can Have High Hidden Costs, According to ACSIA Partners

KIRKLAND, Wash., April 21, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Rate increases by some long-term care insurance carriers should not scare people off, according to Denise Gott. "Even if a particular policy's premium seems high," she says, "it may be a bargain compared to the alternative, family caregiving." Gott is CEO of ACSIA Partners, one of the nation's largest long-term care insurance agencies.

"Family caregiving has three hidden costs, which can be significant," says Gott.

1. Lost Income. According to the Long Term Care Financing Collaborative, women in their 50s who leave their jobs to care for aging parents lose $300,000 in lifetime income, on average.

Losses can vary. For example, at age 57 Amy left an $85,000-a-year job to care for her father at home for three years. That's $255,000 in lost salary plus thousands more in lost Social Security benefits. In addition, during those three "idle" years, Amy may have become less employable, losing out on tens to hundreds of thousands more.

2. Increased Health Risks. Family caregivers often expose themselves to injury and illness from the physical stresses of handling a loved one, and from the psychological stresses of tending them endlessly. A recent study by the Alzheimer's Association found that family caregivers are 28 percent more likely to go hungry or eat less. Twenty percent said they sacrificed their own medical care by cutting down on doctor's visits.

In a study by the Center on Aging, 10 percent of caregivers said their own health declined due to their efforts. This translated into higher healthcare costs for them, and was especially acute for those who lost their health insurance when they left their jobs.

3. Lost Retirement Assets and Less Investment in the Family. In the Alzheimer's Association study, 13 percent of caregivers said they tapped their savings or retirement assets to help provide care, and many sold personal items such as a car. Eleven percent said they cut back on their children's education.

In a study by the National Alliance for Caregiving and Evercare, 47 percent of working caregivers reported using up all or most of their savings while giving care.

What's the current cost of insurance? According to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, typical policies range from $960 to $2,035 per year for a male age 55; and from $960 to $2,580 per year for a female age 55.

"This may not seem out of line compared to do-it-yourself care," says Gott, "especially if professional care is also needed as the loved one deteriorates." The annual median cost of a semi-private room in a nursing home is $80,300, according to Genworth Financial, Inc.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 70 percent of those 65 or older will need long-term care at some point; and the federal government recommends long-term care insurance for those who can afford it.

Gott agrees. "LTC insurance can provide valuable protection, but it's not for everyone," she says. "Wealthy individuals can self-insure. And those without means may qualify for long-term care from Medicaid." (Medicare does not cover most long-term care services, contrary to common belief.)

"Those who could benefit from LTC insurance owe it to themselves to look into the costs and benefits," she advises. "It only takes a minute to get started. Just go to our website and request a quote. You may also talk with an expert." Her organization has over 300 long-term care specialists in all parts of the country.

About ACSIA Partners:

ACSIA Partners LLC -- http://www.acsiapartners.com -- is one of America's largest and most experienced long-term care insurance agencies serving families and organizations in all states. The company is also a co-founder and sponsor of the "3in4 Need More" campaign, which encourages Americans to form a long-term care plan.

*LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0421-ACSIA-Partners-300dpi.jpg

Twitter: @AcsiaPartners #LongTermCare

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/do-it-yourself-long-term-care-can-have-high-hidden-costs-according-to-acsia-partners-2016-0421-01.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE ACSIA Partners LLC :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2016 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

50-Somethings Advised to Calculate Their ‘Long-Term Care Savings Gap’

KIRKLAND, Wash., Oct. 21, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Most Americans are poorly prepared to pay for long-term care costs, but there's a two-step fix, according to ACSIA Partners, a leading long-term care insurance agency. It starts by learning if there's a gap, and how big, between your ability to pay and your likely future expenses.

For most Americans there is indeed a gap. According to a May 2015 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), 52 percent of households age 55 and older have no savings for retirement (let alone long-term care). If you're among the 48 percent with some retirement savings, you may be prepared to cover some, but not all, of your probable LTC tab.

What to do?

"Step one," says Denise Gott, CEO of ACSIA Partners, "is to see if you have a gap, and how big." Doing so can take less than five minutes. For a rough estimate, Gott recommends entering a few facts into a calculator provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: http://longtermcare.gov/savings-calculator/.

Here's a sample calculation for a 52-year old woman planning to retire in Florida, who could afford to set aside $300 (earning 4 percent interest) per month starting now. She would have a long-term care savings gap of $652,184, based on $839,263 in projected care costs in Florida, for life remaining after age 65, minus $187,079 in accumulated savings, as determined by government data and assumptions.

If the woman were married, there would likely be a similar gap for her partner.

Once you know you've got a gap, "the next step is just as simple and almost as quick," says Gott. "Ask a state-certified long-term care agent to help you explore your options." This can be done by phone or online. An in-person meeting is optional.

ACSIA Partners offers state-certified agents covering all parts of the country. To get in touch with one, just go to the company's website -- http://www.acsiapartners.com/ -- and submit an inquiry form indicating your state of residence.

About ACSIA Partners LLC:

ACSIA Partners is one of America's largest and most experienced long-term care insurance solution agencies with hundreds of agents serving all states. The company is also a co-founder and sponsor of the "3in4 Need More" campaign, run by the 3in4 Association, which encourages Americans to form a long-term care plan. More information: http://www.acsiapartners.com/.

* PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-1021-Denise-Gott-LTCgap-300dpi.jpg

* Photo Caption: ACSIA Partners CEO Denise Gott with graph of LTC gap.

Twitter: @AcsiaPartners

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/50-somethings-advised-to-calculate-their-long-term-care-savings-gap-2015-1021-01.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE ACSIA Partners LLC :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Homecare-Friendly Long-Term Care Plans from ACSIA Partners Let Seniors Continue Living at Home and Save Money Too

KIRKLAND, Wash., April 27, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Many people envision long-term care insurance as a means of paying the bills when they move into a care facility. If you're one of them, "You should widen your vision," says Denise Gott, CEO of ACSIA Partners, an industry leader. "LTC insurance also pays for care in one's own home. But some policies do a better job of it than others." Today ACSIA Partners announces a campaign to promote Homecare-Friendly LTC plans.

Gott points out that long-term care insurance comes in many forms, not all of them ideal for home care. "There are two broad categories of policies," she says, "reimbursement policies and cash policies. With a reimbursement policy you submit bills for approval and subsequent payment, which is usually made to an institution. With a cash policy you get monthly benefit checks that you can use however you wish, giving you great freedom in hiring whatever services whenever you want."

People who prefer to "age in place" (at home) may be better off with a cash policy, according to Gott. But reimbursement policies have their advantages, and some are more friendly to home care than others. "With our approach, we guide clients to the most suitable policies from multiple leading carriers," says Gott.

Receiving care in one's own home is not only preferred by many; it can also be easier on the pocketbook, Gott points out. According to the Genworth 2015 Cost of Long-Term Care Survey, the national average cost of a private room in a nursing home is now $91,250 per year, up 4.17% from 2014. Assisted living facility costs now average $43,200 per year, up 2.86% from last year, according to the study. Serious money.

By contrast, care services provided in the home or community can be relatively modest if used judiciously. Homemaker services are now $20 per hour, up 2.63% from 2014. Home health aide services are also $20 per hour, up 1.27%. Adult day care center costs now run $69 per day, up 5.94% from 2014.

At $20 per hour, in-home care services would run $20,800 per year if utilized 4 hours per day 5 days a week. Adult day care services would run $17,940 per year if utilized 5 days a week.

With lower anticipated costs, a less expensive LTC policy might be appropriate. "Our agents serve all kinds of needs of individuals and organizations," says Gott. "If a client prefers in-home care, a Homecare-Friendly plan will be recommended."

ACSIA Partners includes a few hundred state-certified agents covering all parts of the country. To get in touch with one, just go to the company's website -- http://www.acsiapartners.com/ -- and submit an inquiry form.

ACSIA Partners LLC (in California, xACSIA Partners Insurance Agency LLC) is one of America's largest and most experienced long-term care insurance solution agencies. The company is also a co-founder and sponsor of the "3in4 Need More" campaign, run by the 3in4 Association, which encourages Americans to form a long-term care plan.

*PHOTO (web): send2press.com/mediaboom/14-0827-denise-gott-500x375.jpg

*Photo Caption: ACSIA Partners CEO Denise Gott.

*LOGO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/14-1119-ACSIA-Partners-300dpi.jpg

Twitter: @AcsiaPartners

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/homecare-friendly-long-term-care-plans-from-acsia-partners-let-seniors-continue-living-at-home-save-money-too-2015-0427-01.shtml.

Getting the Lowdown on Long-Term Care Insurance No Longer Laborious Thanks to Tech-Savvy Agents

KIRKLAND, Wash., March 24, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Thinking about long-term care insurance but loathe to schedule a lengthy interview in your home? You may be laboring under an outmoded assumption, that reaching out to an expert is a big deal. That's no longer the case with a new breed of tech-savvy agents. So says ACSIA Partners, an industry leader, in a consumer alert issued today.

"Ten years ago," says Denise Gott, the company's CEO, "you made an appointment with an agent who came to your home and spent a fair amount of time with you. And you might have worried about sales pressure. But times have changed."

Lengthy in-home meetings are still available, she reports, but they're less and less the norm, at least in her organization. "Now most of our agents are connected and quick. They work remotely, by phone and screen-sharing, and they stick to the facts, respecting your time."

Many people assume the old time-consuming, face-to-face practices still prevail, according to Gott, "So they spend hours browsing the internet on their own, when they could get the facts in minutes from someone who knows."

She recommends reaching out in three-steps:
(1) Rule LTC insurance in or rule it out. "Just call one of our agents or have one call you. Say you've got five minutes and want to know if the insurance is right for you. Our agents ask concise screening questions and can steer you right, and quickly."

Long-term care insurance isn't for everyone, Gott points out. Other care solution (such as annuities, critical illness insurance, or life insurance with LTC riders) may be better for your situation. "The agent will tell you frankly."

(2) Ask for competitive quotes. "If LTC insurance is indicated, our agents go to bat for you," says Gott. "They don't offer just one policy choice. They research multiple options from multiple carriers, looking for the best set of benefits at the lowest cost. Then they present the choices to you, in your home if you like, or by PC, phone, and overnight mail."

(3) Submit an application or say no thanks. Once you receive the recommendations, the ball is in your court. Ask questions, thoroughly understand each policy choice from each carrier, and then pick one. Or reject them all. "Saying no is a rational response," says Gott. "Our agents are professionals. They don't take offense. And if you're dealing remotely, saying no may be easier."

If you decide on one of the proposed policies, the agent can help you complete the application. "There's very little paperwork that you have to do personally," says Gott. "Our agents handle most of it for you. It's part of their job."

"The main point," says Gott, "is not to put off seeking help because of outmoded assumptions. You're not committing to anything. All you're doing is asking for some quick answers."

ACSIA Partners includes a few hundred state-certified agents covering all parts of the country. To get in touch with one, just go to the company's website -- http://www.acsiapartners.com/ -- and submit an inquiry form indicating your state of residence.

ACSIA Partners LLC (in California, xACSIA Partners Insurance Agency LLC) is one of America's largest and most experienced long-term care insurance solution agencies. The company is also a co-founder and sponsor of the "3in4 Need More" campaign, run by the 3in4 Association, which encourages Americans to form a long-term care plan.

On July 2, 2014, LTC Financial Partners LLC and LTC Global Marketing Inc. announced the completion of the merger of the two companies into ACSIA Partners.

*Photo Caption: ACSIA Partners CEO Denise Gott.

*LOGO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/14-1119-ACSIA-Partners-300dpi.jpg .

Twitter: @AcsiaPartners

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/getting-the-lowdown-on-long-term-care-insurance-no-longer-laborious-thanks-to-tech-savvy-agents-2015-0324-001.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE ACSIA Partners :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.