As we continue to grapple with the effects of COVID-19 across the country, many Americans believe it is now more important than ever for people to have a long-term care (LTC) plan (88%) and LTC insurance (86%), per the 10th Annual Nationwide Retirement Institute® Long-term Care survey released in mid-November.
However, nearly half of adults across all age groups (45%) say they have not had a conversation about LTC planning with anyone and only 8% have spoken about it with a financial professional. Moreover, industry data show that only 15% of Americans (mostly older consumers) have purchased LTC insurance. The survey also revealed that many adults misunderstand what products actually provide LTC coverage because 25% of adults self-reported that they own a LTC insurance policy. Millennials are the most likely to claim that they currently own LTC insurance (39%), but most say that they bought the insurance at work, evidencing a likely misconception among adults confusing long-term disability insurance with LTC insurance. The survey thus highlights in multiple places the trend of the disparity between knowing the importance of preparing for LTC needs, and actually preparing for those needs.
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