Tax Deductible Features Of Qualified Long Term Care Insurance Premiums
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, which went into effect January 1, 1997 provides for the tax deduction of premiums paid for Tax Qualified Long Term Care (LTC) insurance by businesses and individuals, provided certain eligibility requirements are met. Below is a description of these tax advantages by category.

This document is intended for internal use only. Persons and business entities should consult their financial advisor or tax consultant for advice pertaining to their specific situation.
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Economic Slump Stirs Doubts about LTC
Many consumers who have seen their home values decline and stock portfolios raided in recent months now doubt their ability to self-insure for potential long-term care needs.

That is according to researchers at the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE Foundation), who found that 64% of Americans age 45 and older think the downturn has hurt their ability to pay for long-term care services should they need them for an extended period of time. So, how will these attitudes affect peoples’ buying decisions when Long-Term Care insurance is presented to them? It’s difficult to say.
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Pending Legislation Could Make Long-Term Care Insurance More Affordable
RThe issue of long-term care affordability has not been addressed in any of the health care overhaul proposals currently being debated on Capital Hill.

However, some in Congress hope to address it as a separate issue with the introduction of two bills that aim to increase access to Long-Term Care insurance (LTCi) and help consumers pay for LTCi premiums.

9 Reasons LTC Applications "Don't Hit a Home Run"
1. The application wasn't sent directly to SMS. We are your back office. We will review the application to make sure it is completed correctly as well as pre-underwrite the applicant's health. If SMS reviews the application, your placement rate is usually higher.

2. The agent isn't contracted with the LTC carrier. Some states and carriers require the agent to be contracted or appointed before the application is written. Please call SMS if you if you aren't sure whether you are contracted or appointed with a particular carrier. It could save you a lot of time later.
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10 Long-Term Care Facts You Should Know
What are the Odds? – According to the Administration for Aging, 70 percent of adults over age 65 will likely need long-term care at some point. http://www.mylifemyfamily.com

Cost of Long-Term Care – Based on 2008 national averages, a semi-private room in a nursing home costs $68,000.00. Those costs could escalate depending on where you live and if you need personal care help. http://www.longtermcare.gov
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