Some of our clients have asked whether they should let their life insurance premiums lapse, as part of budgeting for the cost of care for their loved one. Many of our clients have been making premium payments on their life insurance policies for a long period of time.
My answer is to first find out whether their life insurance policy has a value that can be converted to a long term care benefit. As part of the process, we present a copy of the policy to a Life Care Funding Company along with a simple application. The company underwriters will determine whether they will make a cash offer to you for the purchase of the policy. If they make such an offer and you accept it, the cash is then placed into a benefit account that is professionally administered by the company.
Payments from the benefit account are then made monthly to the care providers for the benefit of the individual receiving care. Payments can be made for instance to assisted living communities, nursing homes, retirement communities and home health care providers.
Once the life insurance policy is converted to a long term care benefit, you will no longer make premium payments to keep the life insurance policy in effect.
For additional information, you can contact 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, at 1931 San Miguel Dr., Ste. 220, Walnut Creek, CA www.WalnutCreekElderLaw, 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 help them qualify for Medi-Cal and the VA Aid & Attendance Improved Pension benefit.