Welcome to the fifth edition of Long-Term Care in the News. We, at Custom Care Solution, LLC, want you to be on the cutting edge of changes and updates within the Long-Term Care industry. We will accomplish this through these email bulletins distributed each week to our brokers, agents and their staffs.

Long-Term Care In The News …….

Legislative Update

John Greene, Legislative Director of Federal and Regulatory Affairs for the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) was the guest speaker at the Northeastern NY Chapter meeting this week. Though the majority of his speech revolved around the new Medicare Reform Act, John took the time to address the group regarding the pending Long-Term Care legislation. H.R. 2096 was introduced by Congresswoman Nancy Johnson (R-CT) on May 14, 2003 to provide for an “above the line” tax deduction, and caregiver tax credit, greater consumer protections and the ability to purchase long-term-care insurance through a section 125 or cafeteria plan. There are currently 28 sponsors of this bill, however, due to this being an election year, and the Congressional focus on Medicare, without more sponsorship, this bill has little chance of passing this year. The good news is, however, that H.R. 1406 does stand a very good chance of passing THIS YEAR. This bill introduces the concept of expanding state long-term care partnerships. It will provide incentives for individuals to purchase private sector long-term care insurance by allowing them to shelter an amount of their assets – equal to the amount their policy pays out – from Medicaid “spend down” requirements. The goal is to encourage people to purchase insurance according to a level of assets they wish to protect. This will allow states to achieve several objectives: save Medicaid dollars because long-term care needs will increasingly be met by consumers rather than Medicaid, promote greater self reliance in people meeting their own care needs rather than relying on a government entitlement and assist in the expansion of the long-term care insurance market, something obviously needed in anticipation of the pending demographic shit. Please visit www.nahu.org and click on Operation Shout to let your voice be heard about this important legislation facing the long-term care industry.

Multi-Life Update

Last week we announced that MetLife has launched a generic website, subject to state approval*, that will allow the consumer to better understand MetLife’s Multi-Life LTC product. Please visit: www.mymetlifeltc.com/full to see all the valuable information that it provides to you and your employer or association group. Did you know that MetLife offers a Simplified Issue Underwriting program for employees of a company that sponsors a voluntary LTC plan??? Did you know that you can offer an employee up to a maximum of $200 per day of benefits with a maximum benefit period of 5 years simply by answering no to FIVE medical questions??? Do you know when an employer sponsors a LTC plan, a discount is given to all employees, as well, as other members of their family, including their spouse, parents, parents-in-law, grandparents, grandparents-in-law and adult children over the age of 18??? All you need is 10 eligible employees in order to implement a MetLife multi-life discount at the employer-level! Do you have clients who are business owners with more than 10 employees??? Are you selling group benefits to existing clients and leaving LTC $$$ on the table??? Call us today – we have the system to assist you in presenting and closing these multi-life LTC sales. Please don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!!!

Home Health Care Only Policies

Custom Care Solution, LLC represents many LTC carriers. Did you know that MedAmerica, Penn Treaty and Physician’s Mutual offer stand alone Home Health Care only policies??? MedAmerica’s new Simplicity plan can be written as a Home Care Only product in New York. Penn Treaty and Physician’s Mutual have Home Only Plans available in other states outside NY. All our clients want to stay at home, right??? Isn’t the premium amount the largest objection in your sales process??? Doesn’t it make sense to possibly look at a Home Care Only policy for some of your clients??? Call us today for materials and information or quotes on these products.