Older Policies and Rate Increases
Why have policies purchased in the past received such large rate increases? According to Mike Skiens, president of MasterCare America, Inc., there were three big factors: more claims, longer claims, and a lower interest rate environment. In the 90s and early 2000s LTCI industry actuaries did not foresee so many people holding onto their policies for such a long time or going on claim for as long as they did. They also did not expect interest rates to remain as low as they have for as long as they have. “Because of the low interest rate environment, the insurance companies’ return on investment on their products has been lower than expected,” Skiens said.
Current Policies and Affordable Premiums
While many consumers are concerned about LTCI rate increases, others are simply curious if they can find a policy within their price range. With the cost of everything increasing year to year, there are a few things you can do to achieve your ideal LTCI policy cost. You can adjust your monthly benefit, elimination period, and benefit period. Work with a specialist who can run quotes and adjust rates through screen sharing technology where you can watch premiums change based on policy selections. They can also make sure you are receiving any discounts and applying with the best insurance company to fit your needs.
“79.1% of LTC industry actuaries believed the likelihood of a future rate increase on presently priced policies was 10% or less.”
Current Policies and Future Rate Increases
Why should you trust that a policy purchased today won’t have just as big of an increase? There’s simply more data to base projections on. When asked about rate increases, LTC Consumer Specialist William Wetmore tells his clients, “The premium is not projected to increase, and will not increase due to your age or health. If the insurance company has adverse results regarding the actuarial data they used to create these premiums, they can request your state insurance commission approve an increase. Your policy has been priced in a much more conservative environment so the chances of your rates increasing compared to past plan pricing is less likely.”
Nothing is for certain; however, the hope is that the industry learned from its past. The product has been around now for several decades and the amount of underwriting and claims data to base projections on is much larger. The best way to make sure you are purchasing a quality LTCI policy from an A-rated carrier is to work with an expert. Our team of specialists can answer all your questions and guide you to the best policy for you and your family.
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