Frequently Asked Questions

Consumer Choice LTC is an independent guide to Long-Term Care Insurance specialists. We rank and compare licensed professionals who help consumers find LTC coverage. Each specialist listed on our site represents multiple insurance carriers and provides free, no-obligation quotes. No specialist pays for placement on our site.

Yes. There is no cost to use Consumer Choice LTC. We provide information and rankings to help you find the right LTC insurance specialist. Requesting quotes through any of the specialists listed on our site is also free and carries no obligation.

No. Consumer Choice LTC is a guide — we don't sell insurance or provide quotes directly. We rank and compare LTC insurance specialists so you can choose who to work with. When you're ready, you request quotes directly from the specialist you select.

We earn referral fees when users visit a specialist's site through our links. This does not affect our rankings — no specialist pays for a higher position. Our rankings are based on specialization, carrier access, and consumer demand.

Consumer Choice LTC does not collect personal information through our site. When you click through to a specialist, you deal directly with them. Your information is never shared beyond the provider you choose to contact.

Long-Term Care Insurance helps cover the cost of extended care services — including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health aides, and adult day care. These costs are not typically covered by Medicare or standard health insurance. LTC insurance protects your savings and income from being depleted by long-term care expenses.

Most LTC policies cover care in multiple settings: nursing homes, assisted living facilities, memory care units, and your own home. Covered services typically include help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, eating, and medication management. Coverage details vary by policy type and carrier — a specialist can explain what each option includes.

Anyone who wants to protect their retirement savings and avoid burdening family members with care costs. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that about 70% of people turning 65 today will need some form of long-term care. Planning earlier — typically in your 50s or early 60s — gives you more options and lower premiums.

Premiums vary based on your age, health, the amount of coverage, and the type of policy. As a general range, annual premiums for a healthy 55-year-old can start around $2,000-$3,000 for a traditional policy. Hybrid policies that combine life insurance with LTC coverage typically have higher premiums but include a death benefit. A specialist can provide exact quotes based on your situation.

Traditional LTC insurance is a standalone policy that pays benefits when you need long-term care. You pay premiums over time, and the policy pays out if you qualify for benefits. If you never use it, there is no return of premium (in most cases).

Hybrid policies combine life insurance or an annuity with LTC coverage. If you need care, the policy pays LTC benefits. If you don't, your beneficiaries receive a death benefit. Hybrid policies typically cost more upfront but address the "use it or lose it" concern.

Short-term cash indemnity policies provide a fixed daily or monthly cash benefit for a limited period (usually 6-12 months). They're simpler to qualify for and less expensive, but cover a shorter duration of care.

Partnership-certified LTC policies are approved under your state's Long-Term Care Partnership Program. If you exhaust your policy benefits, a partnership policy protects a portion of your assets from Medicaid spend-down requirements — meaning you can qualify for Medicaid without losing everything. Not all states participate, and not all policies qualify. A specialist can tell you what's available in your state.

Most financial planners recommend exploring LTC insurance in your mid-50s to early 60s. Premiums are lower when you're younger and healthier, and you have more policy options available. Waiting until you have health issues can limit your choices or increase costs significantly. That said, options exist at most ages — a specialist can help you understand what's available now.

Rankings are based on three factors: specialization depth (what types of LTC products they focus on), carrier access (how many insurance companies they represent), and consumer demand (annual request volume). No specialist pays for a higher ranking.

Each specialist has a different focus. Some specialize in traditional and partnership-certified policies. Others focus on hybrid or linked-benefit products. Some are known for working with specific groups — couples, women, or people looking for the most affordable options. The "Best for" label on each listing tells you their primary strength.

Yes. Every specialist listed on Consumer Choice LTC is independently licensed to sell insurance in their operating states. Most are licensed nationwide. They represent multiple insurance carriers, which means they can compare options across companies rather than selling a single carrier's products.

Start with what matters most to you. If you want a traditional policy, choose a specialist who focuses on traditional and partnership-certified products. If you're interested in a hybrid policy, look for a specialist with linked-benefit expertise. If cost is the priority, choose one known for finding affordable options. You can request quotes from more than one specialist to compare.