Tag Archives: LTC insurance

A Prime Time to Plan for Long-Term Care Is After Arranging It for Someone Else, says ACSIA Partners

KIRKLAND, Wash. /ScoopCloud/ -- Have you been called upon to arrange care for an aging parent or other loved one? If so, "it can be a blessing in disguise," says Denise Gott, CEO of ACSIA Partners, one of the nation's largest long-term care insurance agencies. "It can inspire you to plan ahead for your own care, without delay."

"In our experience," Gott says, "most Americans plan for their own care late in the game, when affordable insurance is no longer an option. But it doesn't have to be that way."

According to industry estimates, only about 10 percent of those who could benefit from LTC insurance have policies. Why? "The main reason is that busy younger people are preoccupied with family and career. Their future care needs just aren't a priority, so they put off thinking about it," Gott explains.

However, when they're called upon to plan care for someone else, they're forced to think about it. "The experience can be eye-opening and motivational. At a visceral level, they see and feel the need to plan for themselves. The trick is to act before the feeling fades."

Helping someone else secure long-term care generally happens in one's 40's, 50's or 60's, an opportune time for appreciating two vital facts:

(1) The majority of older people eventually need help with basic tasks of everyday existence. These include "activities of daily living" (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, using the toilet, transferring (to or from bed or chair), caring for incontinence, and eating.

And these tasks also include "instrumental activities of daily living" (IADLs) such as housework, managing money, taking medication, preparing and cleaning up after meals, shopping for groceries or clothes, using the telephone or other communication devices, caring for pets, and responding to emergency alerts such as fire alarms.

(2) Care options and costs vary widely. Long-term care may be supplied by family members and/or paid professionals. Family members generally charge nothing, but if helping out impacts their jobs, their lost income may run into the tens of thousands.

Care services supplied by professionals fall into four main categories (average national costs per year shown in parentheses):
* Adult day health care ($17,680),
* Home health care ($45,760),
* Assisted living facility care ($43,539), and
* Nursing home care ($82,125 for semi-private room).
(Data from the Genworth Cost of Care Survey.)

"When you help Mom or Dad get care, these facts become crystal clear," says Gott. "You see what a difference early action can make."

LTC insurance or another funding instrument can -
* Assure you're protected at a lower rate than older, less healthy applicants.
* Protect your retirement assets.
* Give you greater control over your lifestyle when receiving care (staying in your own home versus a facility, for example).
* Put less of a burden on family members.

"We have state-certified agents throughout the U.S.," says Gott. "They are glad to walk anyone through these options, in person or by phone."

ACSIA Partners LLC -- https://www.acsiapartners.com/ -- is one of America's largest and most experienced long-term care insurance agencies serving all states.

*LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0814-ACSIA-Partners-300dpi.jpg

Have you been called upon to arrange care for an aging parent or other loved one? If so, "it can be a blessing in disguise," says Denise Gott, CEO of ACSIA Partners, one of the nation's largest long-term care insurance agencies. "It can inspire you to plan ahead for your own care, without delay."

Related link: https://www.acsiapartners.com/

Most Americans Aren’t Going for Long-Term Care Insurance, ‘But They Will, Where They Work,’ says James Dettman of ACSIA Partners

KIRKLAND, Wash. /ScoopCloud/ -- James Dettman, a veteran of the insurance and employee benefits industries, has joined ACSIA Partners, one of America's largest long-term care insurance agencies. He will serve as one of four Worksite Sales Directors.

So?

He's a man with a mission. Like David with a glint in his eye, he's aiming to help bring down an American Goliath, our looming long-term care crisis.

"Nearly three in four Americans over 65 will need long-term care at some point," he says, quoting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. "So virtually all families will be affected. Somebody will probably need care. If not Dad, Mom; if not you, your spouse."

"This is a very big deal," he asserts, because --
* Long-term care can eat into retirement savings, costing from tens of thousands to $100,000, $200,000 or even more per year, depending on location, type of services, and type of claim.
* Family members may be forced into caregiving, disrupting their lives and affecting their ability to earn a living and protect their livelihood.
* Companies suffer, too. They report reduced productivity when employees worry about loved ones needing care.

"Long-term care insurance is the answer," Dettman asserts, "but most consumers aren't buying it. No problem. We just need to start offering it more aggressively through another channel, the workplace."

He points to key advantages over policies sold directly to consumers:
* Group rates are generally lower,
* Health screening is relaxed, and
* Family members can be included.

ACSIA Partners is a pioneer in worksite LTC with a successful team in place, and that's why Dettman joined them, he says. "I'm here to help them take it to the next level."

The potential is very large. According to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, only 10 million or so Americans have bought long-term care insurance; and only a fraction have gotten it at their place of work.

By contrast, over 270 million have health insurance, and a majority, 155 million, have it through their employer, according to the Urban Institute.

"We need to go with what's working," says Dettman. "If we follow the lead of health insurance, within a few years up to 155 million can have easy access to LTC protection through their jobs," he says. "We'll have multiplied the business 15 times over, and more important, released a flood of economic and personal vitality."

To get the ball rolling, Dettman and colleagues are seeking alliances with benefit brokers, insurance brokers, consultants, human resource managers, executives and association directors. "Our focus is to help deliver financial savings strategies for employees and employers alike," he says.

For over 20 years, James Dettman has held sales, sales management, and sales consultant positions in the insurance and employee benefits fields, winning many promotions and setting sales records.

He has been a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) since 1997, serving on the Board of Directors for his local association and twice as President for two different Chapters. He is also a Lifetime Qualifier for the Leading Producers Round Table (LPRT).

He will serve alongside fellow Worksite Sales Directors Dan Cahn, Ed Jette, and Mario Sestito, "a crack team leading the charge toward universal LTC protection," according to Dettman.

ACSIA Partners LLC 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.

Dettman and colleagues may be reached at the following numbers:
* James Dettman: (901) 301-7421
* Dan Cahn: (425) 284-2148
* Ed Jette: (508) 981-6261
* Mario Sestito: (518) 817-3446

*PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0619s2p-Dettman-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: James Dettman, Worksite Sales Director for ACSIA Partners, with graph showing big potential for LTC insurance.

James Dettman, a veteran of the insurance and employee benefits industries, has joined ACSIA Partners, one of America's largest long-term care insurance agencies. He will serve as one of four Worksite Sales Directors.

Related link: https://www.acsiapartners.com/

Pick Your Long-Term Care Agent Carefully, Advises ACSIA Partners

KIRKLAND, Wash., May 9, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The best way to buy long-term care insurance is through an independent agent, according to many experts. But agents vary. How do you pick a professional who is right for you? "We recommend asking six key questions," says Denise Gott, CEO of ACSIA Partners, one of America's largest long-term care insurance agencies.

The questions are:

1. Do you offer any solutions other than long-term care insurance? Today LTC insurance isn't the only way to cover long-term care expenses. Popular alternatives include critical illness insurance, annuities, and life insurance with LTC riders. "Unless you're absolutely sure LTC insurance is what you need," says Gott, "your best bet may be dealing with someone who offers other choices as well. For example, what if it turns out you don't qualify for LTC insurance?"

2. Where are you licensed? LTC agents must be certified by every state in which they conduct business. "Be sure you pick someone who's licensed and covers your area," Gott says. "Also, probe the scope of the agent's practice. Many of the more experienced agents are certified in two, three, or more states. Multiple state certifications may be a sign of a person's experience, but some single-state agents build very large clienteles close to home and may be equally experienced."

3. What insurance carriers do you represent? "If the agent mentions just one carrier, beware," says Gott. "Your best bet is someone who represents several companies offering a range of policy options. The idea is to compare alternative plans and find the one with the features you want at a cost you can afford."

4. Do you receive higher commissions on some LTC policies than on others? "The best answer is no," says Gott. "Some agencies, including ours, have a procedure for equalizing commission income. This ensures that agents get the same commission rate no matter what policy you buy. There's no temptation for them to push a high-profit item."

5. Can you advise me on tax breaks and other financial ramifications of long-term care insurance? "A qualified answer is best here," says Gott. "Experienced agents know about the relevant regulations, but don't pretend to be experts in tax law or estate planning. Instead, they defer to (and often work with) financial advisors, accountants, estate planners, and attorneys."

6. How can I learn more about you? "The aim of this question is to uncover the agent's reputation," says Gott. "Can they name professionals who recommend them? Have they been written up online or in the newspaper? Are they scheduled to speak at an upcoming event? Can they be found on the Internet? Can they give you references?"

Gott's organization has over 300 state-certified long-term care agents in all parts of the country. All are glad to answer the above questions and any others.

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/pick-your-long-term-care-agent-carefully-advises-acsia-partners-2016-0509-02.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®.

ACSIA Partners Alerts Americans to Plan for Alzheimer’s Long-Term Care Before It’s Needed

KIRKLAND, Wash., Feb. 24, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Today ACSIA Partners, a national distributor of long-term care insurance and education, recommends preemptive action against the impact of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. "Cognitive decline is a big and growing reason Americans need long-term care," says Denise Gott, CEO, "and the best time to plan for it is before symptoms arise."

"Think of it this way," she explains. "If you're worried about your house burning down, you wouldn't wait for smoke and flames before getting fire insurance or removing fire hazards."

When it comes to Alzheimer's, most Americans fail to appreciate its danger and avail themselves of sensible precautions, according to Gott. She offers these three guidelines:

1. Recognize the size of the problem. The Alzheimer's Association reports that one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. Five million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, and the number is expected to triple as millions of Baby Boomers enter their retirement years.

"Alzheimer's is a progressive and fatal disease," says Gott. "Over time, more and more longer-living Americans may lose the ability to care for themselves. Millions will need long-term care."

And they may need it for an extended period. "Many dementia victims require LTC for seven to ten years or more," she says, "while others typically need care for about three years."

2. Determine whether insurance is the right option. Medicare does not cover many services that are needed by people living with dementia.

Medicaid does provide substantial help, but only for those lacking the financial means to help themselves. If you fall into this category, public assistance may be your best bet.

Otherwise, providing care is up to you. If you're very wealthy, you may choose to self-insure. If you're not rich but doing OK, private insurance may be your best option. "An LTC policy lets productive family members keep on with their jobs and lives," says Gott. "Nobody has to become default caregiver, a role usually filled by a wife, daughter, or other female relative."

3. If LTC insurance makes sense for you, consult with a dementia-aware advisor. LTC agents are state-certified, but there's no legal requirement they know anything about dementia. So it's up to you to pick one who does.

Such an agent can answer questions such as, "How many years of care should my policy cover?" and "What mental or physical disabilities trigger benefits?"

A dementia-aware agent can also help you explore appropriate benefit options available in a wide range of policies from multiple competing carriers.

Gott and her colleagues also support efforts to promote brain health and research to find future treatments for dementia. In January they hosted "Wiggin' Out for Alzheimer's," a gala event in Austin that raised $19,000 for the Alzheimer's Association. Individual ACSIA agents contributed $3,700; CEO Gott matched that with another $3,700; ASCIA Partners as a company contributed $8,000; and the rest came from carriers that ACSIA represents.

"We invite people everywhere to join us in supporting the Alzheimer's Association," says Gott. They may do so here: http://www.alz.org .

"Every amount, large or small, makes a difference," says Gott. "Together we can beat Alzheimer's, just as we beat other diseases once thought incurable, such as smallpox, polio, and TB."

"And in the meantime, we can make our lives better through prudent care planning and healthy lifestyles."

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 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.

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Twitter: @AcsiaPartners @alzassociation

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/acsia-partners-alerts-americans-to-plan-for-alzheimers-long-term-care-before-its-needed-2016-0224-02.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®.