Does It Pay to Buy Long-Term Care Insurance? (CNN Money)

The concern shouldn’t be looking for Long-Term Care coverage. The concern should be the price of the policy. The annual premium for $150 daily benefit went from $1,524 in 2007 to $2,269 this year – a 49% increase. Policies sold today cost 6% to 17% more than they did last year, according to an LTC trade group, and insurers regularly seek double-digit rate hikes on existing policies. Still, insurance can protect against depleting savings on extended care. Insurance costs can be cut by limiting coverage to three years. Inflation protection is a must. Buy as much as you can – at least 3% yearly.