Most seniors in America face the shocking expense of a serious medical condition later in life, whether that be in relation to their own health or the health of their partner. Yet few are prepared for this to happen, leading many people to deplete their savings to pay for care.
With the average cost of a semiprivate room in a nursing home costing $7,148 a month, according to a 2017 Genworth survey, many clients haven’t thought about how this expense could impact their overall financial situation.
And, with the number of elderly Americans expected to more than double in the next 40 years, an estimated 70% of people aged 65 and older will need long-term services and support, according to data compiled by analysts at the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Clients should consider the full range of long-term care planning options.
One option many clients aren’t aware of is use of a Medicaid-compliant annuity.
Could this be one of your clients?
Consider this example: You’ve worked with a husband and wife — Michael and Susan — for more than 15 years. In this time, you’ve helped them build and maintain a net worth totaling $426,500 in countable assets. While the couple looked into their options, they weren’t interested in purchasing long-term care insurance. Now well into their retirement, Michael suddenly experiences a stroke and requires full-time nursing home care. In the middle of determining the best approach for Michael’s care, the couple has an important decision to make. How can they fund Michael’s care and still maintain Susan’s standard of living?
Michael and Susan can proceed a couple of ways.
They could pay for Michael’s care privately. That would cost about $7,000 a month, because they wouldn’t be eligible for Medicaid assistance at their current asset level. With $84,000 per year going toward nursing home costs, the couple’s hard-earned savings could be gone in about five years if they pursue this option.
Alternatively, the couple could convert their assets into a Medicaid-compliant annuity, which acts as a spend-down vehicle. Though regulations vary from state to state, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 means assets placed within a Medicaid-compliant immediate annuity are considered income and no longer count as available assets when qualifying for Medicaid assistance. Purchasing an immediate annuity will put the bulk of the couple’s income into a safe place that preserves it for Susan’s needs, while resulting in Michael’s immediate eligibility for Medicaid to pay for his long-term care.
Setting up a Medicaid-compliant annuity