Insurance, Long Term Care

Millions of Americans Face $100,000-Plus Annual Hit for College and Long-Term-Care Combo

Author: LTC Financial Partners LLC
Dateline: Wed, 23 Jul 2008

freeNewsArticles Story Summary: “KIRKLAND, Wash., July 23 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- According to LTC Financial Partners, millions of American couples may be in for sticker shock when their kids reach college age. It's not just the rising annual cost of college, $23,712 for 2007-08, up 6.2 percent from last year, for a private four-year institution, according to the College Board. It's also the escalating cost of long term care for their parents, their other set of potential dependents.”



A R T I C L E:

LTC Insurance Offers Relief

KIRKLAND, Wash., July 23 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- According to LTC Financial Partners, millions of American couples may be in for sticker shock when their kids reach college age. It's not just the rising annual cost of college, $23,712 for 2007-08, up 6.2% from last year, for a private four-year institution, according to the College Board. It's also the escalating cost of long term care for their parents, their other set of potential dependents. Add today's average annual cost of nursing-home care -- $77,000, according to the MetLife Mature Market Institute -- to the college bill and you get a whopping $100,000-plus!

Senior Vice President of Marketing Jonas RoeserThe current cost of public four-year college is $6,185, according to the College Board. That brings the college-LTC combo to "only" $83,000, but the sticker shock is still huge, especially for families trying to scrimp on college. "Long term care is by far the heavier burden," says Jonas Roeser, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Operations of LTC Financial Partners LLC (LTCFP), one of the nation's most experienced long term care insurance agencies.

"Most couples, and their financial advisors, fail to confront this huge potential problem," says Roeser. "They anticipate the college bill, but fail to think about the even bigger bill for long term care." That oversight could rock the financial foundation of many households, he believes.

"Think about it," Roeser says. "While your kids are getting older, your parents are too, and one or more of them may eventually need help with the tasks of daily living. That's usually a much bigger expense than college tuition plus books and room and board." While the odds of one parent needing care may be small, "Remember, you've got four parents between the two of you. What are the odds of ONE of them needing care? And what if two or more need care?" The cost could mushroom.

A solution, says Roeser, is long term care insurance, which provides funds for nursing-home or in-home care if and when needed. "Very affordable LTC policies are available today," he says, "some costing $2,000 or less per year."

Why don't more couples anticipate the potential long-term-care cost? "The problem has crept up on us unawares," says Roeser. "The average American life span has increased gradually. Today we've got 77 million Baby Boomers close to retirement age, with many years of life expectancy ahead. That's new. And because so many of us are living longer, in relatively good health, there's an increased period of vulnerability when long-term-care services may be needed." Another factor is changing work patterns. "In earlier days, when a single breadwinner could support a household, one member of the couple -- usually the wife -- was available to care for an incapacitated mom or dad. Today, with both marriage partners working, outside care services are called for."

Another reason couples fail to anticipate LTC costs is that Medicaid used to come to the rescue for many. "But the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 tightened the rules," says Roeser. "Now it's much harder to obtain Medicaid assistance if you're not truly destitute."

The federal and state governments are actively promoting long term care insurance as the care solution for most Americans, "but the message hasn't fully sunk in," says Roeser.

Information on long term care options, including alternative carriers, is available from Roeser's organization. "We have 530-plus long term care specialists, licensed in all states, ready to answer questions and give specific policy advice," he says. The experts may be found at www.ltcfp.com or 866-471-4072. Roeser's experts also work with couples' financial advisors to include LTC protection in estate plans.

All trademarks acknowledged.

###


Copyright © 2008 by LTC Financial Partners LLC and Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope® - all rights reserved. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed. Sourced on: freeNewsArticles.com.

Story Title: Millions of Americans Face $100,000-Plus Annual Hit for College and Long-Term-Care Combo
• REFERENCE KEYWORDS/TERMS: Long term care, , , LTC Financial Partners, Insurance, , , .

IMPORTANT NOTICE: some content which is considered "old" or "archival" may reference an event which has already occurred; some content possibly considered "advertorial" may also reference a promotion or time-limited/sensitive offering, and in all of these instances certain material may no longer be valid. For notably stale content, you should directly contact the company/person mentioned in the text (LTC Financial Partners LLC); this site cannot assist you with information about products/services mentioned in the news article, nor handle any complaints or other issues related to any person/company mentioned or promoted in the above text. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed as of original date of story [Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:22:06 GMT].

USE THIS CONTENT FOR FREE: To use this content in your newspaper, broadcast outlet, news portal, blog/ezine or similar, free of cost, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Insurance

Videos Introduce Public to Long Term Care Advisors, a New Trend Leading Agency Begins Using Media to Build Trust in Agents

Author: LTC Financial Partners LLC
Dateline: Thu, 26 Jun 2008

freeNewsArticles Story Summary: “KIRKLAND, Wash., June 26 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Millions of Americans have a critical need for information on long term care insurance, but most hesitate to contact the very person, a long term care specialist, who can help them. People aren't sure they can trust someone they've never met, says Denise Gott, Chairman of the Board of LTC Financial Partners LLC, one of the nation's most experienced long term care insurance agencies. (VIDEO)”



A R T I C L E:

KIRKLAND, Wash., June 26 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Millions of Americans have a critical need for information on long term care insurance, but most hesitate to contact the very person, a long term care specialist, who can help them. "People aren't sure they can trust someone they've never met," says Denise Gott, Chairman of the Board of LTC Financial Partners LLC, one of the nation's most experienced long term care insurance agencies.

Denise Gott, Board Chairman of LTC FinancialToday Gott's organization announced a solution: videos, posted on the Internet, that let people size up an agent in advance. "When the public can see one of our experts, up close and personal, they can develop a comfort level by gauging the agent's knowledge, sincerity, and helpfulness."

In addition to smoothing the way to human contact, the videos will save time for the public and agents alike. "People are really busy today, and we find that many would rather get answers on the phone than make in-person appointments," says Gott.

"The videos will inspire confidence to interact remotely, if desired."

The video program is being launched with videos of 22 of the organization's 500 agents, including Gott. "In time, we expect that all of our agents will have video introductions," Gott says. The videos are available on YouTube as well as the agents' websites.

Links to the videos are found at
www.ltcfp.us/ltcfp/video-introductions.html


###


Copyright © 2008 by LTC Financial Partners LLC and Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope® - all rights reserved. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed. Sourced on: freeNewsArticles.com.

Story Title: Videos Introduce Public to Long Term Care Advisors, a New Trend Leading Agency Begins Using Media to Build Trust in Agents
• REFERENCE KEYWORDS/TERMS: long term care insurance videos, , , LTC Financial Partners, Insurance, , , .

IMPORTANT NOTICE: some content which is considered "old" or "archival" may reference an event which has already occurred; some content possibly considered "advertorial" may also reference a promotion or time-limited/sensitive offering, and in all of these instances certain material may no longer be valid. For notably stale content, you should directly contact the company/person mentioned in the text (LTC Financial Partners LLC); this site cannot assist you with information about products/services mentioned in the news article, nor handle any complaints or other issues related to any person/company mentioned or promoted in the above text. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed as of original date of story [Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:41:44 GMT].

USE THIS CONTENT FOR FREE: To use this content in your newspaper, broadcast outlet, news portal, blog/ezine or similar, free of cost, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Insurance

LTC Financial Partners and John Hancock Selected by the National Education Association to Provide Long Term Care Education and Insurance

Author: LTC Financial Partners
Dateline: Mon, 23 Jun 2008

freeNewsArticles Story Summary: “KIRKLAND, Wash., June 23 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Today the National Education Association of the United States (NEA) announced the selection of LTC Financial Partners, LLC (LTCFP) and John Hancock Life Insurance Company to provide long term care education and insurance for NEA's 3.2 million active and retired members, plus their families.”



A R T I C L E:

NEA's 3.2 Million Members and Their Families Will Be Eligible to Participate

KIRKLAND, Wash., June 23 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Today the National Education Association of the United States (NEA) announced the selection of LTC Financial Partners, LLC (LTCFP) and John Hancock Life Insurance Company to provide long term care education and insurance for NEA's 3.2 million active and retired members, plus their families.

LTCFP CEO Cameron TruesdellThe aim of the NEA Long Term Care Insurance Program(SM): to help America's educators, support professionals and administrators afford long term care solutions for themselves or a family member, if and when needed, without risking depletion of retirement savings and other assets. LTCFP and John Hancock will work directly with NEA's Member Benefits Corporation (NEA MB), a wholly owned subsidiary that markets a variety of financial, lifestyle and professional programs for NEA members.

John Hancock, a leading financial services company, was selected to provide the insurance policies and benefit distribution. The education and on-the-ground NEA member assistance will be provided by LTC Financial Partners, LLC (LTCFP), one of the nation's largest and most experienced long term care insurance agencies. "People need to learn why long term care protection is important and what their options are," says Cameron Truesdell, CEO of LTCFP.

As America's population ages and 77 million Baby Boomers approach retirement age, long term care is becoming an increasingly critical issue. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 60% of seniors over age 65 will need some type of long term care. This year, that number is expected to be more than nine million Americans. By 2020, it could exceed 12 million, with nearly every American likely to have a family member or close relative who needs care at some point. "We want to show NEA members and their families how to plan and pay for long term care affordably," says Truesdell.

Gary Phoebus, president and CEO of NEA MB, comments, "We are excited about working with industry leaders like John Hancock and LTCFP. This partnership will enable us to offer members a customized long term care insurance program with a focus on consumer education. We believe it's the perfect complement to NEA's other solutions-based programs and services."

With offices nationwide and nearly 500 experts available, LTC Financial Partners is breaking new ground in the long term care field. "We're using multiple, broad means to empower people," says Truesdell. "We're doing it in person through seminars and meetings; over the phone through individual counseling; via the Internet through text and video; and through publications and distribution of facts to the media. We are committed to helping people live life fully and completely in dignity, comfort and independence without financial burden." More information is available at www.ltcfp.com.

For many years John Hancock has been at the forefront of helping Americans to prepare for a more secure retirement through the purchase of long term care insurance. The company offers a broad portfolio of comprehensive solutions and is committed to consumer education, making it uniquely positioned to meet the needs of NEA members. A unit of Manulife Financial Corporation, John Hancock is one of the largest insurers in the United States. In addition to long term care insurance, the organization offers a broad range of financial products and services, including life insurance, fixed and variable annuities, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. John Hancock carries the highest-"AAA"-financial strength rating from Standard & Poor's Ratings Services. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at www.manulife.com.

The National Education Association of the United States is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers. More information about NEA is available at www.nea.org.

NEA's Member Benefits Corporation is the wholly-owned subsidiary of the NEA devoted to helping make NEA members lives better through providing solutions, products and services that address their financial, professional and lifestyle needs. More about NEA MB is available at www.neamb.com.

All trademarks acknowledged.

###


Copyright © 2008 by LTC Financial Partners and Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope® - all rights reserved. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed. Sourced on: freeNewsArticles.com.

Story Title: LTC Financial Partners and John Hancock Selected by the National Education Association to Provide Long Term Care Education and Insurance
• REFERENCE KEYWORDS/TERMS: National Education Association, , , LTC Financial Partners, Insurance, , , .

IMPORTANT NOTICE: some content which is considered "old" or "archival" may reference an event which has already occurred; some content possibly considered "advertorial" may also reference a promotion or time-limited/sensitive offering, and in all of these instances certain material may no longer be valid. For notably stale content, you should directly contact the company/person mentioned in the text (LTC Financial Partners); this site cannot assist you with information about products/services mentioned in the news article, nor handle any complaints or other issues related to any person/company mentioned or promoted in the above text. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed as of original date of story [Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:25:21 GMT].

USE THIS CONTENT FOR FREE: To use this content in your newspaper, broadcast outlet, news portal, blog/ezine or similar, free of cost, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Insurance

Southern Baptists to Care for Their Ministers Through New Long Term Care Program

Author: LTC Financial Partners
Dateline: Mon, 16 Jun 2008

freeNewsArticles Story Summary: “KIRKLAND, Wash., June 16 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Leading the charge for faith-based organizations, GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention will be offering LTC Financial Partners' (LTCFP) LTC Outreach and Education Program (LTCOEP(TM)) to any minister or employee who wishes to be educated about the risks of not planning for long term care costs.”



A R T I C L E:

GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention Endorses LTC Financial Partners, LLC and MetLife to Provide Long Term Care Education and Insurance.

KIRKLAND, Wash., June 16 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Leading the charge for faith-based organizations, GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention will be offering LTC Financial Partners' (LTCFP) LTC Outreach and Education Program (LTCOEP(TM)) to any minister or employee who wishes to be educated about the risks of not planning for long term care costs. The program will attack a major healthcare issue: Over 60% of seniors over 65 will need some form of long term care, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; but most Americans, including ministers and church staff, are ill-prepared for the expense.

The program will also cover the family members of the ministers, staff, and employees - important since long term care needs can come up for younger people as well as seniors, though at lower rates.

LTCFPLong-term care costs can threaten the financial security and independence of individuals and their extended families, particularly if they are living on retirement income," says O. S. Hawkins, President of GuideStone Financial Resources. Operating as a church benefits board, GuideStone serves more than 190,000 participants worldwide including Southern Baptists and other evangelical churches, ministries and institutions. "Our ministers, church staff and ministry organization participants are not exempt from the devastating effects of long-term health care costs in retirement," Hawkins says.

The help will consist of information and training, plus the opportunity to purchase insurance policies via their employer. "Through this arrangement," says Hawkins, "LTC Financial Partners will provide our participants and their families with comprehensive long term care education and access to discounted rates for MetLife long term care insurance plans offered via their employer." In addition, "Employees who apply for coverage and are actively at work may also qualify for simplified health underwriting for a limited time."

The new long term care program, which may attract the attention of other religious organizations, is consistent with GuideStone's role in caring for those who care for America's 16 million-plus Southern Baptists. "As a part of our core mission of enhancing the financial security of those who GuideStone serves," says Hawkins, "we believe long term care education and access to quality insurance solutions will help our participants protect the retirement and investment savings they've work so hard to build." This move also represents a continuation of GuideStone's commitment to endorsing quality long term care solutions, he emphasizes. "GuideStone participants who currently have long term care insurance policies through previous endorsed relationships with other companies can continue to rest assured that they have stable, quality products."

A phased implementation plan is already underway. Specific details about the program will be shared directly with GuideStone participants in stages. In addition to SBC ministers, church staff and their families, the program will also embrace employees of SBC's ministry organizations and their families. Well over 100,000 individuals will be eligible to participate.

LTC Financial Partners, LLC, with offices nationwide, specializes in educating and empowering Americans about long term care issues. "We offer face-to-face or telephone counseling and advice to individuals and employers regarding their specific long term care financing needs," says Cameron Truesdell, CEO. "We also created the Long Term Care Outreach and Education Program(TM) (LTCOEP(TM)), which is offered to employees of corporations and non-profits." The organization -- found at www.ltcfp.com -- is committed to helping people live life fully and completely in dignity, comfort and independence without financial burden.

MetLife has been at the forefront of helping Americans prepare for a more secure retirement and preparing for the future by offering a leading portfolio of long term care insurance products. The company offers a broad portfolio of comprehensive solutions and is committed to consumer education, making it uniquely positioned to meet the needs of GuideStone's constituents. Celebrating 140 years, MetLife is a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), a leading provider of insurance and financial services with operations throughout the United States and the Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific regions. Through its domestic and international subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife, Inc. reaches more than 70 million customers around the world and MetLife is the largest life insurer in the United States (based on life insurance in-force). The MetLife companies offer life insurance, annuities, auto and home insurance, retail banking and other financial services to individuals, as well as group insurance, reinsurance, and retirement & savings products and services to corporations and other institutions. For more information, please visit www.metlife.com.


All trademarks acknowledged.

###


Copyright © 2008 by LTC Financial Partners and Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope® - all rights reserved. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed. Sourced on: freeNewsArticles.com.

Story Title: Southern Baptists to Care for Their Ministers Through New Long Term Care Program
• REFERENCE KEYWORDS/TERMS: GuideStone Financial Resources, , , long term care financing, Insurance, , , .

IMPORTANT NOTICE: some content which is considered "old" or "archival" may reference an event which has already occurred; some content possibly considered "advertorial" may also reference a promotion or time-limited/sensitive offering, and in all of these instances certain material may no longer be valid. For notably stale content, you should directly contact the company/person mentioned in the text (LTC Financial Partners); this site cannot assist you with information about products/services mentioned in the news article, nor handle any complaints or other issues related to any person/company mentioned or promoted in the above text. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed as of original date of story [Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:57:59 GMT].

USE THIS CONTENT FOR FREE: To use this content in your newspaper, broadcast outlet, news portal, blog/ezine or similar, free of cost, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Insurance

Don’t Wait for the Election to Plan Your Long-Term Healthcare, Insurance Leader Advises

Author: LTC Financial Partners
Dateline: Thu, 15 May 2008

freeNewsArticles Story Summary: “KIRKLAND, Wash., May 15 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Will the next President introduce healthcare reform? 'Probably,' says Cameron Truesdell, CEO of one of the nation's most experienced long term care insurance agencies, LTC Financial Partners LLC. Will the new system - Obama's, Clinton's, or perhaps McCain's - cover all healthcare needs? 'Absolutely not,' says Truesdell. A huge area where American's must keep on fending for themselves is long term care.”



A R T I C L E:

Though Both Obama and Clinton Promise Comprehensive Healthcare Plans, Long Term Care Will Continue to Require Separate, Private Funding

KIRKLAND, Wash., May 15 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Will the next President introduce healthcare reform? "Probably," says Cameron Truesdell, CEO of one of the nation's most experienced long term care insurance agencies, LTC Financial Partners LLC. Will the new system -- Obama's, Clinton's, or perhaps McCain's -- cover all healthcare needs? "Absolutely not," says Truesdell. A huge area where American's must keep on fending for themselves is long term care. That's the help with daily living provided by nursing homes, in-home care services, and family members who all too often leave work to tend an incapacitated parent, spouse, or child.

Caption: LTC Financial CEO Cameron Truesdell"No way can any federal program afford the enormous, open-ended costs of long term care," says Truesdell. "Medicare doesn't cover it now. Neither does Medicaid except for the destitute or those who have exhausted their own resources." In fact, as Truesdell points out, recent legislation has cracked down on Medicaid abuse, making it harder for people with means to qualify.

"If you wait for the election, or government action of any type, to plan for your long term care, you're only jeopardizing your own future," he says.

For the vast majority of Americans, including the 77 million Baby Boomers nearing retirement, long term care is and will continue to be a matter of individual, private planning, Truesdell asserts. "You either need to save for it big time, or get long term care insurance," he says. "For all but the ultra-wealthy, who can afford to self-insure, LTC insurance is the answer."

Truesdell's organization includes 500 long term care experts who advise individuals and businesses on appropriate plans, available tax breaks, and alternative carriers.

"Our people also work with estate planners and financial advisors that in turn advise their clients," he says. "What most people don't realize is that LTC insurance is good for more than your physical health; it's also good for your financial health -- because it protects your hard-won assets."

A state by state listing of the 500 experts is available at www.ltcfp.us/ltcfp/dont-wait.html.

###


Copyright © 2008 by LTC Financial Partners and Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope® - all rights reserved. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed. Sourced on: freeNewsArticles.com.

Story Title: Don't Wait for the Election to Plan Your Long-Term Healthcare, Insurance Leader Advises
• REFERENCE KEYWORDS/TERMS: presidential healthcare reform, , , LTC Financial Partners, Insurance, , , .

IMPORTANT NOTICE: some content which is considered "old" or "archival" may reference an event which has already occurred; some content possibly considered "advertorial" may also reference a promotion or time-limited/sensitive offering, and in all of these instances certain material may no longer be valid. For notably stale content, you should directly contact the company/person mentioned in the text (LTC Financial Partners); this site cannot assist you with information about products/services mentioned in the news article, nor handle any complaints or other issues related to any person/company mentioned or promoted in the above text. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed as of original date of story [Thu, 15 May 2008 14:23:11 GMT].

USE THIS CONTENT FOR FREE: To use this content in your newspaper, broadcast outlet, news portal, blog/ezine or similar, free of cost, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Insurance

GoldenCare USA Provides CareOptionsOnLine(TM) to Bring Comprehensive Long-Term Care Planning to Their Policyholders

Author: GoldenCare USA
Dateline: Tue, 08 Apr 2008

freeNewsArticles Story Summary: “MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., April 8 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- GOLDENCARE USA now offers CareOptionsOnLine(TM), a comprehensive, interactive, care planning tool, to their policyholders. CareOptions has been helping patients, caregivers, and families make informed decisions about their care for over 20 years. Because GOLDENCARE USA believes the importance of long-term care planning cannot be over looked, their policyholders will receive CareOptions at no cost.”



A R T I C L E:

A "hands on" and personal approach to the complex subject of long-term care.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., April 8 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- GOLDENCARE USA now offers CareOptionsOnLine(TM), a comprehensive, interactive, care planning tool, to their policyholders. CareOptions has been helping patients, caregivers, and families make informed decisions about their care for over 20 years. Because GOLDENCARE USA believes the importance of long-term care planning cannot be over looked, their policyholders will receive CareOptions at no cost.

"CareOptions is designed to educate, guide, and empower our clients to plan for their care," said Mike Lynch, General Manager of GCUSA. "This offering confirms our commitment to delivering a complete solution to their long-term care planning needs."

In addition, CareOptions includes information on funding long-term care, as well as personal advice from GOLDENCARE USA's 7,000-plus agents who specialize in long-term care planning.

To prompt adults of all ages, especially Baby Boomers, to investigate the costs of long-term care, the searchable, nationwide knowledge base of resources features several cost of care calculators.

Among the multitude of tools it holds, CareOptions has a complete medical library, evaluation checklists for care products and service providers, quality of care provider ratings and a self-directed process for creating advance directives for health care.

GOLDENCARE USA, founded in 1974, has been a leader in providing information on long-term care services and funding. To find out more on how you can benefit from GOLDENCARE USA's resources or how you can represent GOLDENCARE USA and offer CareOptions to your policyholders, please contact us.

More information: www.goldencareusaagent.com.

###


Copyright © 2008 by GoldenCare USA and Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope® - all rights reserved. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed. Sourced on: freeNewsArticles.com.

Story Title: GoldenCare USA Provides CareOptionsOnLine(TM) to Bring Comprehensive Long-Term Care Planning to Their Policyholders
• REFERENCE KEYWORDS/TERMS: GoldenCare USA, , , long term care planning, Insurance, , , .

IMPORTANT NOTICE: some content which is considered "old" or "archival" may reference an event which has already occurred; some content possibly considered "advertorial" may also reference a promotion or time-limited/sensitive offering, and in all of these instances certain material may no longer be valid. For notably stale content, you should directly contact the company/person mentioned in the text (GoldenCare USA); this site cannot assist you with information about products/services mentioned in the news article, nor handle any complaints or other issues related to any person/company mentioned or promoted in the above text. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed as of original date of story [Tue, 08 Apr 2008 08:38:43 GMT].

USE THIS CONTENT FOR FREE: To use this content in your newspaper, broadcast outlet, news portal, blog/ezine or similar, free of cost, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Insurance

Deficit Reduction Act Makes Long Term Care Planning a Must for Small Business Owners

Author: LTC Financial Partners LLC
Dateline: Fri, 15 Feb 2008

freeNewsArticles Story Summary: “KIRKLAND, Wash. - Feb. 15 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- In February 2007, 'President Bush signed into law a significant piece of legislation, the Deficit Reduction Act,' says Todd Grove, Maine-based Partner of LTC Financial Partners LLC, the nation's most experienced long term care insurance agency. 'This one act is causing the majority of small business owners to seriously evaluate the financial risks posed by an extended illness - to themselves, their families, their assets and their companies.'”



A R T I C L E:

KIRKLAND, Wash. - Feb. 15 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- In February 2007, "President Bush signed into law a significant piece of legislation, the Deficit Reduction Act," says Todd Grove, Maine-based Partner of LTC Financial Partners LLC, the nation's most experienced long term care insurance agency. "This one act is causing the majority of small business owners to seriously evaluate the financial risks posed by an extended illness -- to themselves, their families, their assets and their companies."

Caption: LTC Financial Partner Todd GroveGrove summarizes the key provisions of the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) and the impact it is having on business owners. The DRA --

* Extends the look-back period for all asset transfers from three to five years.

The look-back period refers to limitations imposed by Medicaid on a person's ability to "impoverish" him or herself by giving away assets to family members in order to qualify for long term care benefits. A longer period makes it more difficult for Medicaid planning attorneys to transfer funds out of an individual's estate to qualify the person for welfare.

* Changes the start of the penalty period to the date of eligibility, not the date of transfer.

"This is a clear indication of how the loopholes on asset transfers are being closed," says Grove.

* Makes ineligible for Medicaid any individual with home equity above $500,000 (a limit that states can raise as high as $750,000).

Under previous law, the value of an individual's home was not included when determining eligibility for Medicaid. The DRA makes individuals with more than $500,000 in home equity ineligible for nursing home benefits; states will be able to raise that limit to $750,000. (The DRA allows exceptions for hardships or when a dependent lives in the house with the individual.)

* Requires Medicaid applications with annuities to name the state as remainder beneficiary.

"No longer," says Grove, "can annuities be used to hide assets from state or federal coffers."

What's the bottom line? "Business owners can no longer depend on government for their long term care needs," says Grove. "They must take responsibility themselves. Estate planning must now include long term care planning at its core. Otherwise your assets and your business are in jeopardy." He points out that two thirds of those needing long care are bankrupted by the expense.

"Long term care insurance has become the estate planning tool of choice for Americans with assets to protect," Grove says. "And the good news is: business owners may qualify for significant state and/or federal tax deductions."

Information is available from Grove's web site, www.ltcfp.us/toddgrove or 800-314-9080 as well as from the headquarters site, www.ltcfp.us.

###


Copyright © 2008 by LTC Financial Partners LLC and Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope® - all rights reserved. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed. Sourced on: freeNewsArticles.com.

Story Title: Deficit Reduction Act Makes Long Term Care Planning a Must for Small Business Owners
• REFERENCE KEYWORDS/TERMS: LTC Financial Partner Todd Grove, , , eligibility for Medicaid, Insurance, , , .

IMPORTANT NOTICE: some content which is considered "old" or "archival" may reference an event which has already occurred; some content possibly considered "advertorial" may also reference a promotion or time-limited/sensitive offering, and in all of these instances certain material may no longer be valid. For notably stale content, you should directly contact the company/person mentioned in the text (LTC Financial Partners LLC); this site cannot assist you with information about products/services mentioned in the news article, nor handle any complaints or other issues related to any person/company mentioned or promoted in the above text. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed as of original date of story [Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:18:22 GMT].

USE THIS CONTENT FOR FREE: To use this content in your newspaper, broadcast outlet, news portal, blog/ezine or similar, free of cost, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Insurance

Protecting Productivity at the Worksite in Challenging Times

Author: LTC Financial Partners
Dateline: Wed, 30 Jan 2008

freeNewsArticles Story Summary: “KIRKLAND, Wash. - Jan. 30 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- In uncertain times, older, experienced employees are the ones companies want to keep. But these seasoned people may leave of their own accord. Or they may start taking time off. Why? 'A large percentage have aging parents who break a hip or develop dementia, suddenly needing constant attention,' says Mario Sestito, Director of Business Development for LTC Financial Partners.”



A R T I C L E:

Retaining Seasoned Employees through Long Term Healthcare Education

KIRKLAND, Wash. - Jan. 30 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- In uncertain times, older, experienced employees are the ones companies want to keep. But these seasoned people may leave of their own accord. Or they may start taking time off. Why? "A large percentage have aging parents who break a hip or develop dementia, suddenly needing constant attention," says Mario Sestito, Director of Business Development for LTC Financial Partners, the nation's most experienced long term care insurance agency.

Caption: LTC Financial VP Mario Sestito"If these senior employees can't afford professional care, they take time off to provide the care themselves. Or they quit to become full-time caregivers." Best case, he adds, they stay on the job in a distracted state of mind.

"It's a serious, growing problem," Sestito asserts. "We work with a lot of organizations, and the water cooler talk isn't about childcare anymore; it's about eldercare." The solution, he says, is long term healthcare planning.

Sestito's agency offers a new tool called the LTC Outreach and Education Program(TM) (LTCOEP(TM)), utilized by many U.S. companies. At no cost, the program puts employees through a crash course in long term healthcare planning. LTCOEP(TM) helps workers and managers cope with the productivity-draining prospect of caring for family members, usually aging parents, who can no longer care for themselves. Some "graduates" end up securing long term care insurance; others set up savings plans to handle future care needs.

The eldercare issue is seriously affecting bottom lines. Through a combination of attrition, absenteeism, and reduced productivity, "Large companies are losing tens of millions each, every year, and smaller ones are losing from thousands to tens of thousands," says Sestito. He bases his estimates on a 2006 study conducted by the MetLife Mature Market Institute(R). "These losses can be stopped cold, and it doesn't have to cost the company anything."

LTCOEP(TM) is offered free to companies, non-profit organizations, and community groups of all sizes. Information is available at -- ltcfp.us/ltcfp/long-term-healthcare-planning.html.

###


Copyright © 2008 by LTC Financial Partners and Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope® - all rights reserved. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed. Sourced on: freeNewsArticles.com.

Story Title: Protecting Productivity at the Worksite in Challenging Times
• REFERENCE KEYWORDS/TERMS: long term healthcare planning, , , LTC Financial Partners, Insurance, , , .

IMPORTANT NOTICE: some content which is considered "old" or "archival" may reference an event which has already occurred; some content possibly considered "advertorial" may also reference a promotion or time-limited/sensitive offering, and in all of these instances certain material may no longer be valid. For notably stale content, you should directly contact the company/person mentioned in the text (LTC Financial Partners); this site cannot assist you with information about products/services mentioned in the news article, nor handle any complaints or other issues related to any person/company mentioned or promoted in the above text. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed as of original date of story [Wed, 30 Jan 2008 13:08:18 GMT].

USE THIS CONTENT FOR FREE: To use this content in your newspaper, broadcast outlet, news portal, blog/ezine or similar, free of cost, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Insurance

Long Term Care Insurance Leader Offers Advice on Preventing Dementia, the Leading Cause of Care Claims

Author: LTC Financial Partners
Dateline: Wed, 23 Jan 2008

freeNewsArticles Story Summary: “KIRKLAND, Wash. - Jan. 23 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- 'A failing mind, not body, is the biggest reason people need long term care today,' says Cameron Truesdell, CEO of LTC Financial Partners, the nation's most experienced long term care insurance agency. 'That shouldn't be, so we're going to give our clients information to help stay mentally fit.' To that end, the company is offering a free guidebook and web links to helpful resources.”



A R T I C L E:

Tips on Staying Mentally Fit Years Longer

KIRKLAND, Wash. - Jan. 23 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "A failing mind, not body, is the biggest reason people need long term care today," says Cameron Truesdell, CEO of LTC Financial Partners, the nation's most experienced long term care insurance agency. "That shouldn't be, so we're going to give our clients information to help stay mentally fit." To that end, the company is offering a free guidebook and web links to helpful resources.

Caption: CEO Cameron TruesdellThe guidebook is "Dignity for Life: Facts That Can Protect Your Assets & Quality of Life." It states that Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia account for over 30% of long term care claim dollars, significantly higher than for circulatory disease, Parkinson's, stroke, or broken bones due to osteoporosis. The book recommends simple screenings that can detect dementia at its earliest and most treatable stages. "Dignity for Life sells for $8.95 on Amazon.com, but we're giving it away free," says Truesdell.

The web links refer people to easy, sensible measures for keeping one's memory and reason intact years longer. These measures fall into three categories:

1 Brain fitness exercise. There are links to programs that hone one's perception, memory, and concentration. "For brain as well as muscle, you need to use it or lose it," says Truesdell.

2 Nutrition. There are links to lists of what to eat and drink to promote brain health. Some of the tips are as simple as drinking enough water to irrigate brain cells properly.

3 Aerobic exercise. There are links to recreation and exercise options that all have a common aim: sending plenty of oxygen to brain cells.

The free guidebook and links are available at www.ltcfp.us/ltcfp/brain-fitness.html.

LTC Financial Partners works with leading insurance carriers that share their concern about brain health. "They all want Americans to live longer in good shape, mental as well as physical," says Truesdell. "Some have programs that actively encourage individuals to take care of themselves." And corporate wellness programs are finding increasing insurance-industry support, Truesdell points out. "On that front, we're helping out with our informational program for company employees, the Long Term Care Outreach and Education Program (LTCOEP(TM))."


###


Copyright © 2008 by LTC Financial Partners and Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope® - all rights reserved. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed. Sourced on: freeNewsArticles.com.

Story Title: Long Term Care Insurance Leader Offers Advice on Preventing Dementia, the Leading Cause of Care Claims
• REFERENCE KEYWORDS/TERMS: LTC Financial Partners, , , Advice on Preventing Dementia, Insurance, , , .

IMPORTANT NOTICE: some content which is considered "old" or "archival" may reference an event which has already occurred; some content possibly considered "advertorial" may also reference a promotion or time-limited/sensitive offering, and in all of these instances certain material may no longer be valid. For notably stale content, you should directly contact the company/person mentioned in the text (LTC Financial Partners); this site cannot assist you with information about products/services mentioned in the news article, nor handle any complaints or other issues related to any person/company mentioned or promoted in the above text. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed as of original date of story [Wed, 23 Jan 2008 08:04:37 GMT].

USE THIS CONTENT FOR FREE: To use this content in your newspaper, broadcast outlet, news portal, blog/ezine or similar, free of cost, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Insurance

Long Term Care Awareness Week (November 4-10) to Be Supported by Facts from Local Experts

Author: LTC Financial Partners
Dateline: Thu, 01 Nov 2007

freeNewsArticles Story Summary: “KIRKLAND, Wash. - Nov. 1 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Now there's a week, November 4-10, devoted to thinking about an issue many Americans put out of mind: the possibility of needing long term care someday. 'Nobody likes the idea of being incapacitated for an extended period,' says Cameron Truesdell, CEO of LTC Financial Partners, the nation's most experienced long term care insurance brokerage, 'but it's smart to plan ahead.'”



A R T I C L E:

KIRKLAND, Wash. - Nov. 1 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Now there's a week, November 4-10, devoted to thinking about an issue many Americans put out of mind: the possibility of needing long term care someday. "Nobody likes the idea of being incapacitated for an extended period," says Cameron Truesdell, CEO of LTC Financial Partners, the nation's most experienced long term care insurance brokerage, "but it's smart to plan ahead. If you do, you can protect your assets, take steps to keep healthy as long as possible, and rest assured you'll be taken care of no matter what."

Caption: CEO Cameron TruesdellLong Term Care Awareness Week, endorsed by federal and state officials, "will give us all a chance to focus on this important issue," says Truesdell. "But awareness doesn't have to fade after November 10. We're offering an army of experts to dispense facts in the weeks ahead." The facts will be available online, in print, and in person in all states.

The awareness follow-up, to be available year-round, will consist of free text and visual information presented on multiple websites serving all localities. There will also be a free guidebook for consumers; a free quarterly newsletter; free materials for small, medium, and large businesses; and free talks before local groups. "We have nearly 400 of the nation's top specialists in this field," says Truesdell, "and they'll all be available to dispense these free services."

The services may be requested at www.ltcfp.us/ltcfp/awareness.html. Individuals may also, at the same time, view videos on long term care, and request competitive LTC insurance quotes from 6 leading carriers.

Long Term Care Awareness Week was made official earlier this year by the U.S. House of Representatives (HR133). "We owe a debt of gratitude to Jesse Slome for coming up with the idea and promoting it to Congress," says Truesdell. Slome heads the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance.




###


Copyright © 2007 by LTC Financial Partners and Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope® - all rights reserved. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed. Sourced on: freeNewsArticles.com.

Story Title: Long Term Care Awareness Week (November 4-10) to Be Supported by Facts from Local Experts
• REFERENCE KEYWORDS/TERMS: Long Term Care Awareness Week, , , LTC Financial Partners, Insurance, , , .

IMPORTANT NOTICE: some content which is considered "old" or "archival" may reference an event which has already occurred; some content possibly considered "advertorial" may also reference a promotion or time-limited/sensitive offering, and in all of these instances certain material may no longer be valid. For notably stale content, you should directly contact the company/person mentioned in the text (LTC Financial Partners); this site cannot assist you with information about products/services mentioned in the news article, nor handle any complaints or other issues related to any person/company mentioned or promoted in the above text. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed as of original date of story [Thu, 01 Nov 2007 17:31:16 GMT].

USE THIS CONTENT FOR FREE: To use this content in your newspaper, broadcast outlet, news portal, blog/ezine or similar, free of cost, CLICK HERE to learn how.