On August 17, 2006, the President signed into law The Pension Protection Act of 2006. This law, which came into effect in 2010, can be very helpful to Baby Boomers and older clients who are looking for ways to private pay for long term care without coming up with additional funds.
Many of our clients own annuity contracts, and this law allows them to add long term care riders for an additional premium. The Pension Protection Act allows the cash value of annuity contracts to be used to pay the premiums for these long term care riders. The payment of premiums in this manner also has a tax benefit in that it will reduce the cost basis of the annuity contract.
The act also allows for the purchase of an annuity contract with a long term care rider by using cash in another annuity. By utilizing a Section 1035 tax-free transfer, you can purchase the new contract with a long term care rider without paying capital gains on the cash transfer.
Another option under the act for some clients, is to use the accumulated cash value in an annuity to purchase long-term care insurance through a § 1035 exchange. Other premium sources for long-term insurance can be by way of a § 1035 exchange. You can also utilize after tax money, such as savings or money market accounts or CD’s to purchase long term care insurance or life insurance with long term care riders.
For additional information, you can contact your elder law attorney Michael J. Young. This information is not to be taken as legal advice, and you are encouraged to see your elder law attorney. At the law offices of Michael J. Young, 1931 San Miguel Dr., Ste. 220, Walnut Creek, CA http://www.WalnutCreekElderLaw.com, 925-256-0298,lawyoung1@gmail.com, we practice elder law and we help Baby Boomers, Seniors and families through their Elder Care Journey. We help families with long term care planning, asset protection plans, special needs trusts, comprehensive estate planning, wills, trusts and powers of attorney. We also help Baby Boomers and families get their “Ducks in a Row” in order to help them qualify for Medi-Cal and the VA Aid & Attendance Improved Pension Benefit.