Should You Purchase Long-Term-Care Insurance? (Wall Street Journal)

People know they need long-term care insurance, but this impression is just the work of scare tactics employed by insurers, critics say. They further contend that LTC policies are either unnecessary for most people or cost more than the benefits are worth, and many people would be better off self-insuring or relying on government-funded programs. But some LTC policies can be set up in partnership with state governments, proponents argue. There is no telling how long services of a nursing home or assisted-living center will be needed. These costs can quickly deplete retirement savings and exceed what family and friends could provide.