Preparing For Tomorrow podcast

In this episode, Diane shares excerpts from a recent LTC Bullet published by The Center for Long Term Care Reform https://centerltc.com/ There is a ton of great research and information at the Center. their mission statement is below.... The Center for LTC Reform is a private institute dedicated to ensuring quality long-term care for all Americans by promoting public policy that targets scarce public resources to the neediest, while encouraging people who are young, healthy and affluent enough, to take responsibility for themselves. I encourage you to continue to learn more about what we're up against and what we can do to encourage lawmakers and other public decision makers to prioritize the future of aging in our country. Hopefully, we'll all be aging, right? Sometimes, it feels like I'm aging as I type... Once you've decided that you need to prepare for your tomorrow, schedule a "get to know you " meeting with me by phone or zoom https://calendly.com/diane-p4t/30min

Sometimes, when long term care insurance or hybrid life/LTC insurance is not available due to health concerns or budget, it's good to know that there are other options that may be available. This week, Diane shares some of those options. All may not be offered in every state, but it's worth it to ask if you can consider some of these planning strategies. If we don't offer some of these solutions, we have trusted colleagues who do. Schedule a brief meeting to learn more at https://calendly.com/diane-p4t/30min The July 12, 2025 episode comparing annuities with income doublers and annuities with LTC extensions here

When is it not a good idea to own LTC insurance? Many people search for long term care insurance simply to avoid letting Medicaid take over and decide where that care is received. We need to consider if the premiums are affordable while working AND after retirement. It doesn't do us any good to pay for five or ten years and then not be able to afford the premiums when our income changes. Others inquire after a diagnisis has been made that either limits or eliminates options. We need to apply for coverage at the time when we are young enough and healthy enough to be approved by the company where we apply. Age 40 would be ideal if you can make it work. My responsibility is to learn about you, what support you expect from family and what your financial situation will be like when retired to make sure we are discussing suitable products to meet your needs today and tomorrow. Please view current and projected costs of care where you live at https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-care Schedule a brief introductory meeting with me here Or schedule a full initial consult here

This week, Diane shares some situations when LTC insurance may not be the answer for a family. It's clear that if Diane and her husband had listened to this advice 25 years ago, they would not own LTC insurance today, and they would not be approved by almost every company that offers these plans if they were looking for answers today. To be clear, this is not all or nothing. There are always circumstances that could alter these points. The important thing to know is that, when it IS appropriate to transfer some of your risk to insurance, do it as soon as you can to obtain the lowest total premiums paid and to potentially receive good health discounts. View current and projected costs of care at https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-care and please use the 4% or 5% inflation growth when viewing future costs. If we think LTC inflation will be lower than that, we're lying to ourselves. Then schedule a free, no obligation consult with Diane to learn how you can transfer some of your risk https://calendly.com/diane-p4t/30min

Mike emailed asking about typical exclusions or pre-existing concerns with LTC insurance. LTC insurance is governed by Internal revenue Code (IRC) 7702(b). To be able to offer insurance, companies must adhere to this rule. American Association for LTC insurance (AALTCi) has many resources available on this https://www.aaltci.org/long-term-care-insurance/ You can view both current and projected costs of care where you live at https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-care I strongly suggest using a 4 or 5% cost of living factor when checking future costs. I think we'd be lying to ourselves if we believe the costs of care will be lower than that in the future. Baby Boomers are starting to turn 80 this year. Learn how Medicaid works (or doesn't work) in your state at https://www.elderlawanswers.com/ Book a quick phone or zoom meeting to ask a question at https://calendly.com/diane-p4t/15min Book an introductory get to know you meeting at https://calendly.com/diane-p4t/30min Schedule an initial no obligation consultation at https://calendly.com/diane-p4t/60min Get ready to Prepare for Tomorrow!!!

Just send me a quote can be compared to going out for dinner, but on a bigger level. When we go out to eat, we consider how hungry we are, what atmosphere we want for dining, what fits our budget, what kind and amount of food we want, and more. We need to plan for LTC needs the same way. Where would we want to live? Who will be providing care? How can we afford this? What companies and plans will consider our health risk? As a planning specialist, I have several insurance companies (restaurants) with various planning and funding options (menu). LTC planning can seem overwhelming, but if we know and understand what we want, we can eliminate menu items (plan options) and restaurants (insurance carriers) to focus on the one's who will pay for the type of care we would want and by whom. As your guide, I help to clarify your questions and share answers to those questions so you can decide what's best for you and your family. Schedule an introductory call or zoom meeting with me to start planning https://calendly.com/diane-p4t/30min

This week, because I was the primary caregiver for our very sick dog, I exhausted myself for 10 days (nothing compared to caring for a parent or grandparent for several years). We're replaying one of your most listened to episodes about hybrid life/LTC plans as a refresher. Learn current and projected costs of care where you live at https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-care Learn what each state let's you keep to qualify for Medicaid at https://gotltci.com/2026/01/what-your-state-lets-you-keep/ and please note that if you request to meet with a specialist from this website, you'll need to ask for me specifically as there are six specialists on this team. Schedule an introductory meeting with Diane at https://calendly.com/diane-p4t/30min Schedule a full initial consultation to learn how to protect your family at https://calendly.com/diane-p4t/60min And take care of your favorite furry family members!!!!

As promised, here is the link to view my dog's awesome workout routine on Facebook Frank's facebook reels He's doing a little better each day and will hopefully be back to normal in a few more days. On long term care, we all have a plan. Some of us know what our plan is, and some are leaving the decisions up to others, maybe family, maybe the state Medicaid system. In either case, if our memory is fading, or if our decision making skills diminish, we can't be involved in those decisions, and the people around us are stuck tryuing to figure out what we would have wanted. If we have these conversations 10-20-30 years before a need shows up that forces us to need help to get through each day, then our people will know what we would want. Whether you choose to own LTC insurance in some form or not, you still need to have a plan, and those you love most need to know what that plan is. Email me at [email protected] and I'll reply sending you tools and resources you can use to build your plan. Then, once you know where you would like to live and who you would like to have helping you, schedule time with me to figure out how you can afford to implement your plan here

This week, my guest Mary Ellen Gilbert with https://navacare.org/ shares how we can see the early signs that an aging parent or family member needs more support, even when they insist they're fine. She shares how her company helps families find the right place where their loved one can be the most comfortable at a time when nothing seems comfortable. We need to understand that the person in need is not resisting the help; they're resisting losing thier independence. That we can help them stay as independent as possible with the right support. We need to have these conversations early, so we're not scrambling to figure out what they would have wanted without their input. We always feel guilty that we're doing it wrong if we don't ask early enough to know what they would want. As caregivers, we also need support to know we're not the only one going through this. Navacare offers a free support group for family members in the Clearwater, Tampa Bay area, and they have an online course that can be purchased that walks families through the A-Z of the aging process. These resources are so valuable and can be found in their website https://navacare.org/ Once Mom or Dad is safe, or even better, before they need your support, reach out to me to prepare for your tomorrow at my 30 minute introductory meeting

We all want to wait as long as we can to buy LTC insurance. Too often, health concerns diminish or eliminate what can be offered. In this week's episode, Diane shares consequences that show up when our parent's health and care needs interfere with our ability to plan well. If we implement and start paying the premiums earlier, we can fully fund our policies before mom or dad needs our money and/or our time because they had failed to prepare for their own care needs. If we could completely fund our plan before mom or dad asks for $2000/$4000/$6000 every month for their care, then we know we'll be prepared for our tomorrow and won't need to do the same to our kids, or friends or relatives. When we wait, our parents' negligence or denial of their own needs can prevent us from being financially secure when our own long term care is needed. Learn what your state Medicaid dept let's you keep to qualify for Medicaid at https://gotltci.com/2026/01/what-your-state-lets-you-keep/ Schedule an introductory meeting to learn if some form of LTC insurance is an appropriate tool for your family at https://calendly.com/diane-p4t/15min Schedule a full no obligation consult at https://calendly.com/diane-p4t/60min

This week we turn independence upside down. We think we're independent when we can live and receive care in our homes, but that forces our family to reshape their lives to support our progressing needs. Then families feel really bad when they realize they can't do it - they never knew how much work and time it takes. So many parents beg their children to never "put" them somewhere. Or when the subject comes up, they exclaim, "I'm not ready yet!" But then, after they do move to Senior Living, the new exclamation becomes "OMG, why didn't I move her sooner?" Senior Living communities are evolving to meet Baby Boomer demands for comfort and activities. Today, the good ones can be considered Resorts with Help. The better ones, with the best employees who can nurture our well-being and create a great culture cost more than others. The median cost for assisted living today across the country is $75,000 annually and is expected to increase to over $200,000 per year in 20 years. That's median, so the resort like places will cost more. We need to prepare today so we can choose where we can live later. View current and projected costs of care (use 5% inflation growth) at https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-care Schedule a brief introductory call or zoom meeting with Diane at https://calendly.com/diane-p4t/30min

In almost three decades, I've been asked to leave, I've been hung up on, I've been sworn at and more. But only one person actually got up and walked out of the meeting. This week, I'm talking about dads. The 82 year olds and the 32 year olds and how the role is changing for the better, in my opinion. Men are stepping up to help more with the kids and to just be present for them. It's a choice. It's also a choice to prepare today for a time when it may be harder to do the things that are taken for granted today, like putting on socks and shoes, or walking up steps without assistance. Hopefully, the dad's who are willing to be vulnerable today with children growing up will be willing to admit that there may be a time when help is needed. They'll prepare for those days as well. View current and projected costs of care using 5% COLA https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-care Check out a ton of great consumer resources at the American Association for LTC Insurance https://www.aaltci.org/long-term-care-insurance/ Schedule an introductory meeting with Diane at https://calendly.com/diane-p4t/30min

This week, we learn about how state LTC Partnership programs started and how they developed over time to include most states. What is Long Term care Partnership? Why is this an effective way to help middle income and middle asset families protect savings when long term care is needed. Who benefits from these kinds of plans? The American Association for Long Term Care Advocacy has a ton of inormation on Partnership and may other subjects. You can find it https://www.aaltci.org/long-term-care-insurance/learning-center/long-term-care-insurance-partnership-plans.php You can view both current and projected costs of care )please be realistic and use 5% annual inflation https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-care Learn what state Medicaid programs let you keep and qualify for Medicaid https://gotltci.com/2026/01/what-your-state-lets-you-keep/ This is my colleagues website, and I am one of the Specialisrts you can get if you schedule a meeting through this website. But you may get someone else, so use it for research as there are so much great information. Then schedule a 30 minutre introductory meeting with me to help me understand your quest https://calendly.com/diane-p4t/30min

People sometimes ask how I got involved in LTC insurance and how do I feel always talking about getting old or sick because it's so depressing. Here's how long term care and LTC insurance showed up in my life and why I am committted to stay. Review both current and projected costs of care where you live https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-care Please use 5% COLA for projections. If we think the caregiving industry's inflation will decrease going forward, we're fooling ourselves. Baby boomers are starting to turn 80 this year. The tsunami is here. Learn Medicaid rules in your state https://www.elderlawanswers.com/ The National Council on Aging is a great resource https://www.ncoa.org/ Schedule a 15 minute "Get to know you" call or zoom meeting today at https://calendly.com/diane-p4t/15min

LTC insurance claims are hard to get approved because so many claims are not actually long term care. When a claim is declined, the family becomes disgruntled and angry at the insurance company. Usually the problem is what the providers/doctors, facilities are reporting when filing the claim. LTC News reported over $15 billion was paid in claims in 2024. See the details at https://www.ltcnews.com/articles/rising-claims-growing-demand-long-term-care-insurance-key-retirement-plan AHIP (America's Health Insurance Plans) reports over $16 billion paid in 2024 and separates results by states at https://www.ahip.org/resources/long-term-care-insurance-coverage-state-to-state-2025 View current and projected costs of care where you live at https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-care Please be sure to use 5% cost of living increases to get a clear picture of future costs. Schedule time with me to learn more at https://calendly.com/diane-p4t/30min

This week, we discuss the costs of dementia care vs. other long term care needs. Too many believe Medicare pays for care after age 65. Medicare may pay for up to 100 days if skilled care is also needed to help recovery from a hospitalization/procedure, and if you've been in the hosptal at least three nights. At age 80, 75% of people with Alzheimer's disease live in nursing homes while 4% of others at age 80 live there. Do you really want to spend down your assets to qualify fro Medicaid and be "put" in a nursing home where 75% of your peers have dementia? Here is a link to learn what it takes to qualify for Medicaid in your state https://www.elderlawanswers.com/ Here is a link to see current and future costs of care where you live (use 5% inflation growth to project future costs more accurately https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-care Then use the link below to schedule a brief call or zoom with me to learn if LTC insurance may be a good strategy you can use to protect yor family, savings and choices https://calendly.com/diane-p4t/30min If we agree it's a valuable option to consider, we'll schedule a longer meeting and get to work.

As baby boomers reach age 80 this year, with the immigrant population in the US diminishing, and seeing the almost 80% turnover of employees in home care, assisted living and nursing home care, we are getting ever closer to the Silver Tsunami. Even today, we don't have enough licensed care givers to meet the need of our aging population. That's before we consider the massive need for geriatricians who provide medical treatment for the elderly. Our primary care physicians are reporting they don't feel comfortable diagnosing or addressing patient questions about dementia. And there are not enough specialists to manage this need. Those with LTC insurance that can be used to pay for care by anyone, licensed or not, are going to be able to help their families help them better and longer when an extended care need shows up. And I say this often - these long term care needs do just show up. We need to prepare for them today, while we're healthy enough to be approved for coverage. You can learn more through the Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org/ You can schedule a free consultation with me to start designing your plan here You can schedule a 15 minute "Get to Know You" meeting here

In the U.S., almost 13 million unpaid/family caregivers are caring for someone with dementia right now. Many are doihng this without help or support from other family members. Most family caregivers are women who live with the dementia patient. 1/4 have kids they are also providing for, placing them in the "sandwich generation". 30% of family caregivers are 65 and older, many with health concerns of their own. The Alzheimer's Association has a ton of info and helpful resources https://www.alz.org/ We need to prepare for if and when dementia moves and claims residency in our own homes. And we need to plan so that we don't force the women in our lives to give up everything to provide for us During this Mother's Day week, the best Mother's day gift for your wives, sisters, daughters, grandaughters is to have a plan so you know where you would want to be, who you would lke to have with you, and how you plan to pay for this enormous risk. Schedule time with me to Prepare for your Tomorrow and theirs by clicking here

Esther Greenhouse is an environmental gerontologist and longevity strategist who helps people stay independent as they age - physically and financially. As president of Silver to Gold Strategies, she advises financial and long-term care propgrams on reducing preventable caregiving needs and costs. Her Enabling Design Method has shaped national age-friendly initiatives and helped her own mother age in place for 7 extra years, saving an estimated $500,000 to $1.5 million and preserving dignity and choice. Esther lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I learn so much from Esther every time I speak with her and am honored to have her as a colleague! LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/esthergreenhouse/ Website https://silvertogoldstrategies.com/ Email [email protected] Remember to schedule time wth me to Prepare for Your Tomorrow https://calendly.com/diane-p4t/60min

The Alzheimer's Association released a Special Report that updates dementia and dementia care information. I have on;y read about 1/3 of the info so far, so I expect I'll have a lot more to share over the nexrt several weeks. The industry is getting better at discovering, diagnosing, and managing dementia. I tried to get a link to the report, but I can't find it. The title is "2026 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures". There is a ton of info at the Alzheimer's Association website website https://www.alz.org/ Check out the "About" and 'Research" tabs, and then schedule with me to protect your family, assets and choices when extended care is needed at home, in a family member's home or in a facility/community setting Schedule here

We need to decide if we're going to make our own care decisions when we can no longer live alone or independantly. Or are we going to leave those decisions to a governement employee who must follow whatever the current government decides is approved for your care. Medicaid is being gutted, so please don't believe that you can rely on that at your most critial time in life. Please check out the links below and then schedule with me to start designing your plan so you can be prepared for whatever tomorrow brings your way. Kaiser Family Foundation 10 things about Medicaid long term care services and support https://www.kff.org/medicaid/10-things-about-long-term-services-and-supports-ltss/ AARP Nursing home staffing mandate delayed https://www.aarp.org/advocacy/one-big-beautiful-bill-nursing-homes/ University of Pennsylvania letter to Elizabeth Warren Univ of PA letter Schedule to learn more and design your plan My calendar

Professionals in geriatrics and gerontology define "elderly" and "advanced age" as 65 and older and those with chronic needs. It's hard to believe I'm almost elderly?!? The fact that there are professional specialties and new Ai tools, websites, apps and software programs focusing on this enormous age group should indicate to us younger than 60 to prepare for those days ahead of us. There are people and tools available to help as we age, and we should never be embarrassed to ask for help when we need it. Here are several helpful links you can use: America Association for LTC Insurance https://www.aaltci.org/ Phyllis Shelton's LTC website full of valuable info https://gotltci.com/ Certification for LTC https://www.ltc-cltc.com/ Elder Law Answers about law and Medicaid https://www.elderlawanswers.com/ Help and guidance for caregivers https://www.elderlawanswers.com/ Help filing LTC claims https://www.amadaseniorcare.com/ Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org/ National Council on Aging https://www.ncoa.org/ Companion Robot for seniors https://elliq.com/ View current and projected costs of care where you live https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-care Schedule a phone or zoom meeting to start designing your plan today https://calendly.com/diane-p4t/30min

A client with whom I've maintained a relationship for over a decade was almost talked into buying a new LTC plan earlier this year. I'm glad she called me to ask for help! I researched her risk and offered a very similar plan with significantly lower rates. Research is the key to finding the best plans for your family. When you are offered a quote for LTC insurance, ask the person quoting you how many companies they represent and how many LTC applications they submit on average each year. LTC planning is too important to leave to amatures! View current and projected costs of care where you live and where you plan to retire at https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-care Then schedule a phone or zoom meeting to start designing your plan here

Don't let your 50 year old kids regret not having planned for future extended care needs when they first thought of it. A first question I ask when meeting with someone is "What made you decide to look into LTC planning now?" Far too many reply with some form of having thought about this years ago, but for whatever reason they came up with, they decided to wait. Now, the plans we're considering cost a lot more at 70 than they did at 50. Or maybe they can't health qualify for the plan they want. You must encourage your 40, 50 and 60 year old children to plan now, while they can be approved by more companies, and while the rates are manageable. This week, we share a client who is buying a plan for her daughter because the family knows the value of LTC insurance after seeing the husband/dad's LTC plan pay over $200,000 over 24 months, protecting the famly's wealth and emotional well-being. Two clarifications - 1) Audrey did not keep $46,000 of the RMD because she did have to pay taxes on the withdrawal. 2) Lindsey's plan's benefits wil increase by 3% annually. She doesn't have to wait until the 10th payment to see increases. Schedule with Diane to design your plan here View current and projected costs of care (use 5% inflation) where you live at https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-care

This week, I'm sharing a story of what happened when I was walking my dog on Saturday. This can happen to anyone. We don't have to be old or sick to have an accident. So many people wait to buy LTC insurance because it's for old people, but 1/3 of people receiving care today are under age 65. And we need to be healthy enough to qualify for coverage. If we wait until after an accident, or a diagnosis, or a medicine that insurance companies won't accept, our options narrow or disappear. Also, we need to encourage our older family members to not be afraid to tell on themseloves when they fall. Even after a big event that causes us to need help living through our days, owning LTC insurance increases the probability that we can stay home to get the help we need. View both current and projected costs of care where you live here Then schedule with me to start designing your plan here

According to an AARP report, the Department of Health and Human Services reported a 48% increase in cost for home care and assisted living from 2019-2024, while median household income for families 65 and older rose only 22%. That's an average 8% annual increase! And people doubt when we use 5% annual increases to project future needs.... View a summary of the report here See what current and projected cost of care where you live at https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-care Then schedule with me to learn how you can protect your family, assets and choices here

This week, I received a very disturbing call, and this was soon after I met a man whose job is to protect people (mostly seniors) from scams. I'm so glad that a woman reached out to me for guidance before spending over half of her mom's little bit of savings she needed for her care. Listen and learn, then schedule time with me to prepare for your tomorrow. When we're prepared, we're less likely to be tricked. The 2025 Cost of Care report is available so you can see both 2025 costs and projected costs of care where you live. Check it out here BTW, home care costs increased by 13% across the country last year. Prepare today by scheduling a phone or Zoom meeting with me here

We need to believe that we're going to get through these world events that are being thrown at us every day. We have to believe that we're going to live a long life. When we live a long life, we get old, and when we get old we need help. The massage today is short, and I hope it encourages each of you to continue planning to protect those you care about most. The new 2025 Cost of Care updates were released thjis week and you can see current nd projectewd costs where you live here We're seeing a 13% increase in home care costs across the country. If we want o stay home when we need help getting through our days, we need to plan now to be able to do that. Schedule a phone or Zoom meeting with me to get started here

Just like when we go to an all-you-can-eat buffet, our eyes are bigger than our stomach. With LTC protection, bigger than our budget. We want the best policy that will pay for everything we need for as long as we need care, but our income and savings say we can afford something with less coverage. Or we apply as a couple and one is declined for health. Does this mean we don't get any coverage at all? No! It means we get as much as we can afford for the duration of premiums. If half of our expenses are paid for with insurance, that's using our own assets and income to pay the other half rather than paying for all of our needs ourselves. Our family will be thankful for anything we do to help them help us better. View 2024 and projected costs of care where you live here Please use a 4% or 5% increase in costs when looking in the future years as that's how costs have increased over the last three decades. Learn what your state let's you keep to qualify for Medicaid here Schedule a phone or zoom meeting to start designing your plan here

I get so many calls from families trying to find caregiving support answers for their older parent or relative. They've reached a point where they are overwhelmed and need help providing for their loved one. This is not the time to look for insurance. The choices are limited and have higher costs because at age 75 or 80, we're close to or at the age when the insurance companies think we'll open a claim. That parent should have considered LTC funding options at 50 or 55. But 50 and 55 year olds too often believe we'll be in the same health mentally and physically at 75 or 80, and that's usually not the case. We need to plan for this WAY before that need shows up. Parents who waited too long must encourage their kids to plan now so this doesn't turn into a never ending cycle of kids spending all of their time and money providing for parents and then not being able to provide for themselves later, depending on their kids' time and money, etc. I promised links to learn more about Medicaid. This link shows what each state let's us keep to be financially eligible for Medicaid benefits: What your state let's you keep This link shares how each state qualifies an individual for Medicad benefits: Elder Law Answers Schedule with me here to start working on your plan to protect your family, assets and choices and avoid being told where to live by the state.

Many people inquire about LTC insurance and unfortunately get incorrect or incomplete information. This is why it's important to work with a LTC Planning Specialist, like me, who studies this continually. Years ago, there were a lot more companies offering LTC insurance, but all the plans looked and worked very similarly. Today, there are less companies offering this insurance, but these companies are each offering more unique ways to design and fund plans to meet more needs. Listen to these podcast episodes and arm yourself with the questions you need to ask when designing your plan. You deserve to understand why an advisor or insurance agent is or is not offering you a plan to protect your family, assets and choices. Reach out to me to schedule time to learn more and start to design your plan here Ask me a question by scheduling here

Providing care for a very sick, injured or elderly family member is hard! Especially without help. There are currently over 50 million family caregivers sacrificing their time, family, health and future to provide that care. LTC insurance is not designed to replace you; it's there to help you be able to help without hurting yourself or getting overwhelmed from doing it alone. Who is going to pay for those 7.8 million licensed care providers as the Baby Boomer generation reaches 80 this year and continues to age? It's either us, our family, or the government. Part of "us" is LTC insurance - so we won't force our famly members to exhaust themselves. You can view current (2024) and estimate future cost of care where you live here I recommend you use 5% COLA and not the 3% that defaults when you open the page. I said I would add a link to the site that discusses LTC reform and how Medicaid impacts the entire industry, but the link is not active today. I have LTC Bullets emailed to me weekly. Hopefully, it's up and running again soon. The link is here for when it is online again Schedule a meeting with me here

Jason Dutra with BuddyIns joins us this week to share a case study on worksite LTC benefits. There are companies that will offer guaranteed issue (no health questions) hybrid life/LTC plans to a company with as few as 3 employees. Listen and learn if this is a tool you would like to offer, or that you would like your employer to offer. Then schedule an introductory meeting with me to discuss options for your company here If you'd like to learn more first, use this link to research at BuddyIns https://buddyins.com/worksite You can schedule a meeting with Jason by submitting a referral at the top right of the page. Please remember to request me as your specialist. I look forward to helping you protect those you care about most.

Hello to all our new and returning listeners! Because we've had a large increase in listeners, I thought I'd share what we discuss during our initial consultation (which costs you only time). It's good for long time listeners to get a refresher as well. Our first meeting, via phone or Zoom and sometmes in person, is mostly educational. It's impossible to make a decision on something as important as preparing for futue extended care needs unless we understand what we are deciding. LTC insurance is not for everyone. It must fit in with the rest of your retirement plan in order to protect both your assets and your family. You can view current (2024) and projected costs of several types of care where you live here A 2025 update will be released in March, 2026. You can schedule a phone or zoom meeting with me here I look forward to meeting you and helping you to protect those you care about most.

Because we have so many new listeners, we decided to get back to the basics of long term care and LTC insurance. The best starting point is to learn current and future costs of home care, assisted living, and nursing home care. Use the cost of care website to find costs where you live at https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-care Once we understand the risk we're up against if we suffer from dementia, a stroke or a severe car accident (for example), we need to decide where we would want to live when help is needed to get through our days. We need to consider who we want to have helping us, and we need to decide how we're going to pay for this care. Listen and learn how different types of insurance plans decide when and how claims are approved or declined. Learn which kinds of plans can be tax deductible and which can be paid using HSA funds. Get your current policies and proposals out and schedule time with me to evaluate them and learn if they best meet your needs. Schedule a phone or Zoom meeting here

Happy New Year! Let's make 2026 the year we design and fund our LTC plan without destroying our budget. This week, Diane shares ways to pay for long term care insurance with alternatives to simply using income to fund it. Listen and learn how to reduce the impact on the budget while preparing for that day when we do become more dependent on other people to help us get through our days. We're making sure to afford a plan today AND afford to provide for our needs then. Schedule a phone or zoom meeting to discover unique and creative ways to prepare for your family's tomorrow here If there is a topic you'd like me to discuss this year, email me here

We recorded "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" along with a few other classics about 15 years ago. My husband, Paul, is the guitar master, and I am playing flute. Please enjoy, and share with those you care about most as you gather to celebrate this week. As Christians, our family is celebrating the birth of our Savior. Whatever you celebrate this season, do so with love and joy in your hearts. If you're weary, lay still and hear the angels sing as they bring peace throughout the world. I pray for blessings over each of you today, and into 2026 (and beyond). Sending hugs to everyone. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!!!

When discussing worksite LTC with employers, two question come up all the time - 1) How much work do I as an employer or HR director have to put in? 2) I heard LTC insurance is expensive. How much more will the company be spending to add this benefit? Jason Dutra clearly addresses both of these questions this week. For more info, reachout to me [email protected] Or research first at https://buddyins.com/ Jason's email is [email protected] When asking him or the team for more info, be sure to let them know I sent you so we can connect that way.

That title is an oxymoron. Truthfully, if you'll never qualify for Medicaid, that means you'll pay for all of your long term care needs yourself. In this week's episode we're sharing things you need to consider today, long before care is needed. You need to prepare for tomorrow's needs today, whether you choose to own insurance or not. You need to create a roadmap for your caregivers to follow if you're unable ot unwilling to communicate your wishes when you need extended care. In today's episode, Diane shares what is involved in creating that roadmap. To help you prepare for where you'll be living when retired, use https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-care Be sure to use 5% inflation when looking at future costs as that is the inflation growth we've seen over the last three decades. Then, schedule some time with me to learn what kinds of plans can be available to help pay for your potential needs without breaking the bank. Schedule here

Diane received an email this week from a long time listener who received a notice of a 301% rate increase request from his LTC insurance company. This episode discusses the process of requesting and seeking approval for rate increases. This process is heavily regulated from multiple angles. It's definitely not a random insurance company tactic to create more profit or to force policy holders to cancel their policies. I know it seems like it sometimes. Rate increases cause a lot of headache and extra work and payroll expense to the insurance companies as well. They don't want to have to increase rates. I was going to post the link to the court decision here, but the header on the document says I can't. If you want to find it yourself, look up "New Jersey court prevents LTC rate increase". You'll find it. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) consists of Commissioners from all 50 states. They have a Rate Stability Rule you can read about here If you really like reading about this stuff, the American Association of Actuaries Compliance Guide can be found here Let's find time to have a converstion and determne if and wht kind of and amount of benefits can help your family when that need shows up. Schedule here

Thank you all who are listening to these podcasts and for the great feedback you've shared over the years. I can't believe we're in our sixth year already. I'm so thankful that these poscasts are helping so many people learn about long term care and all the strategies available to protect our families. Enjoy your family this Thanksgiving weekend, and always be thankful. If you're ready to plan for your family, schedule here

This week, Jason and Diane discuss UNUM's February 2026 ceasing of LTC group and employer sales. How should employers and employess react to this decision? What are the next decisions that must be made? What can employers now offer to newhires? Should current policyholders keep their policies? When you don't have answers, the best thing to do is talk with a long term care planning specialist like myself. I will help you determne what questions you should be asking as well as work through the answers with you. Each employee's family is unique and LTC needs are different for each family. If you have questions about UNUM or any other LTC plan ceasing sales, schedule some time to discuss this here

We need to recognize the contributions and sacrifices that family caregivers make to help those they love who can't provide for their own daily needs. The reason most people own LTC insurance is to help those caregivers to not feel alone and isolated. If you don't own LTC insurance and you want to protect your family, assets and choices, schedule time with me to plan here Below are many resources to help caregivers help their loved ones better. Administration for Community Living https://acl.gov/ Alzheimers Association https://www.alz.org/ American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging https://leadingage.org/ Aging Life Care Association https://www.aginglifecare.org/ National Council on Aging https://www.ncoa.org/ Senior Homes https://www.seniorhomes.com/ Assisted Living Foundation of America http://www.alfahousing.org/ National Center for Assisted living https://www.ahcancal.org/Assisted-Living/Pages/default.aspx Memory Care Facility Locator https://www.memorycarefacilities.net/ Today's Caregiver magazine https://caregiver.com/ National nursing home database https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/?redirect=true&providerType=NursingHome There are others, but this is a good start.

This week, I'm kind of on a soapbox. It seems that some people will keep asking about LTC insurance until someone tells them they don't need it. No one knows if we'll need help living at some point or not. We need to ask ourselves who the insurance is going to help. We're going to get care whether we plan or not. We need to ask oursleves who wil suffer the consequences of our failure to plan. It's the people helping us. We say we don't want to "burden our family", but by not discussing where we want to live, who we want helping us and how we will pay for care, by default, we are burdening them. Please review current and projected costs of care where you live here and please use at least a 4% annual increase in costs as we've seen that and more across the country over the last three decades. Then, schedule a phone or zoom meeting with me to design your family's plan here

This week, we decided to answer some questions that we don't get as often as some others, but they're still very relevant. When plannng for long term care needs, we need to gather enough information to be able to decide what kind of plans will fit our needs best. We're here to help and to address those questions that you may not have thought to ask. Listen and then schedule a phone or zoom meeting with me to design your plan to protect your family through an extended care need. Schedule here

It seems that with nearly every person or couple I work with, a version of this question comes up. Which plan do I recommend most often? Although all LTC plans are similar in how to qualify for benefits, each company and even each plan within a company carries unique attributes to that are attractive to various wants and needs of interested buyers.. This week, Diane shares different/unique characteristics offered inside hybrod life/LTC plans. The premiums can't be too high or too low compared to the competition, or one company will get far too many applicants (leading to many more future claims) than other carriers. The lopsidedness of the financial obligations would really mess up that company's future committments. So if premiums ar similar across the industry, each company needs its own way to attract the clients they want to attract. Listen and learn some of the unique ways companies diffrentiate themselves. Email me at [email protected] and ask me for more info on hybrid LTC planning strategies. Then schedule a phone or zoom meeting with me to design your plan here

This is the beginning of our 6th year!!! This week, Diane interviews Jason Dutra with BuddyIns again. We discuss tax-benefits of worksite LTC insurance and hybrid life/LTC worksite plans. How are these plan offerings different than other group benefits that employers offer? How can employers use group life/LTC plans to show how much they care about their employees? When employees know their employer cares about them and their families, they are more productive. Everyone is happier, and employee retention is strong. If you are a business owner with at least 3 employees, there are worksite LTC plans available for you to consider. These plans have guaranteed issue rights, so no medical questions to qualify. If you are an employee and have been declined for LTC, you can ask your employer if they would consider offering this benefit to some or all the people who work there. Schedule some time with me to explore options here

This week, after hearing from a client who wishes she would have bought more insurance a decade ago, Diane shares decisions that others have made in the past and now regret it. These people, if they had thought through their decisions before making them, could have ended up with much better outcomes. When planning to provide for ourselves and protect our families, we need to take action. And we need to not skip the small things. The small things in these stories would have made all the difference. We all have a plan for our own future long term care needs. Some will just let things happen and will end up being "put" somewhere. Those who proactively seek solutions end up with much better choices later on. You can view both current and projected costs of home care, assisted living, and nursing home care where you live or plan to live here I recommend you use 5% inflation on care as that's what we've seen for three decades. Then schedule a phone or zoom meeting to start designing your plan here Then you'll be Prepared for Tomorrow!!!

This week, we look at premiums of traditional, stand-alone LTC plans. Diane shares a plan that her clients designed 10 years ago when they were 49 and compares that to the same plan for a 49 year old couple today, a 59 year old couple today and a 69 year old couple today. Listen and learn how both premiums and benefits at each age (and time) differ. You'll be surprised when learning the total premiums paid at 49 and 69, and more importantly, the difference in benefits availabe at age 79 for each plan. View current and projected costs of care where you live here Be sure to use a 5% cost of living rate as that's the average cost of care increase over the last 30 years. Schedule a phone or zoom meeting with me to start designing your plan here Let's wotk together so you and your favorite people are prepared for tomorrow!

This week, Diane compares 10 year hybrid Life/LTC plans with 10 year paid up funding for a couple age 50, age 60, and age 70 to share why it's so much better for everyone when we plan early. Even though we don't want to think about it, at age 50, we need to consider what our 70 year old self, our 80 year old self and even our 90 year old self may be like and what kind of help we may need. Genuinely see the older people around you - your family, people at the grocery store, people walking out to their mailbox to get the mail. Are they moving more slowly or unbalanced as compared to how they may have been able to move around 10, 20 or 30 years ago? Why would we really think we'll be different? By starting at age 50 onstead of 60, you could save hundreds of thousands of dollars in premiums over your lifetime, get your policies paid in full before you retire and then have 10 times what you paid in premiums to pay for care needs wherever you and your family and doctor sees as the best and safest place for you to live and get help living. You'll know you have a plan for when things don't go as planned. View current and projected costs od care where you live here and remember to use a 5% cost of living adjustment when considering future costs as that is the average rate of inflation on LTC services. Schedule a phome or zoom meetign to start designing your plan here