Long-Term Care Insurance Industry Shakeout
Those considering long-term care insurance should be aware of recent several changes in the long-term care insurance industry. Guardian stopped offering the insurance as of December 31, 2011, and Prudential will no longer be offering individual coverage after March, 2012. MetLife exited the market at the end of 2010. In addition, John Hancock and UnumProvident are no longer offering group coverage. Consequently, underwriting is becoming more stringent.
Anyone in the market for long-term care insurance may not want to delay much longer, and should work with a long-term care professional to help ensure that they obtain suitable coverage with a financially strong company.
Note: Certain companies have "Partnership" status in North Carolina - the Partnership program allows those covered by long-term care insurance to protect the amount that will be provided by insurance from Medicaid countable assets.
Similarly, most states too have their long term care insurance partnership programs that interested policy buyers can look into.