In our last post we discussed how many of our Baby Boomer clients have looked into buying long term care insurance, but have decided against the purchase because of various reasons. Some feel that the cost is too high, or they don’t like the idea that if you don’t use it, you lose most of it. Also, some of our clients have been denied coverage because of their age, health issues, or both. Fortunately, there are alternatives to consider for our older clients.
Many of our clients have several hundred thousand dollars in various investments, including savings accounts, mutual funds, annuities and IRAs, in addition to their home. This would appear to be a nice nest egg, but would be depleted quickly if they were in need of 24/7 care. For a single person, the cost of care could conservatively be $90,000 or more per year and twice that for a couple.
One option is to purchase a type of annuity which provides payments for long term care. The initial premium payment for the annuity could create 2 to 3 times the amount of the premium in long term care payments. For example, if you re-position $50,000 into the annuity, then $100,000 to $150,000 could be available for long term care expenses. The underwriting for this type of product is much simpler than applying for long term care insurance, but the age and health of the client is still taken into account.
In addition, under the “Pension Protection Act”, you could withdraw the $50,000 tax free from an existing annuity to purchase an annuity with the long term care payment option. You could also fund the purchase of this new product using IRA money through an income tax free “trustee to trustee transfer.”
When you visit our office, ask us to help you explore the possibility of repositioning a portion of your assets for payment of your long term care should you need it in the future. These options should be explored as part of your long term care asset protection and estate planning.
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.