It is alarming the number of people claiming to be “Long-Term Care Insurance experts” and how some have just “magically appeared”. You must be careful whom you take advice from concerning long-term care insurance. Here are some things for YOU to ask the person that’s advising you:

1. Experience? There is no substitute. The person should be a only a Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist. No one person can be an expert in all fields and/or do this part-time. There are too many changes that will affect you, the agent, and the insurance companies for someone who is not a full time LTCI Specialist to keep straight. A “jack of all trades” maybe okay in some occupations, but it can be a disaster concerning long-term care. In addition, he or she should have a minimum of 15 years helping people decide if long-term care insurance is right for them. If someone has been a LTCI Specialist for at least 15 years, they will have gone through the major changes and consolidations that the industry has endured. They have also shown that they believe in what they are doing and are in this for the “long haul”.
2. Independent? By being independent, they have “no ties” to any particular company. Ask how many companies were considered and why they believe the company they are suggesting is best/right for you. Ask for specifics; don’t settle for the reason, “Because they’re the best company.” This is your money-get the answers that make sense to you! Also, get their suggestions in “black and white”. See it on paper.
3. Personal Experience? Remember long-term care will affect YOU and your family, emotionally, physically and financially. If the person you are getting advice from has gone through a long-term care situation, they will have more insight and suggestions.
4. Does this person have long-term care insurance themselves? If so, what company and why? If not, why? How in the world can someone expect you to solve your long-term care dilemma if they haven’t done the same?
5. Real people (like you) for you to contact (referrals)? This goes back to #1. If they have been a Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist for a minimum of 15 years, they will have clients for you to contact. You will get to hear someone else verify that this person is a true professional and will do what he or she is promising. Note: not all clients are willing to be contacted for various reasons.

If you follow these guidelines, you can be assured that you will get a complete professional unbiased view of what is best for you and your family.

Doug Worman has been a Long-term Care Insurance Specialist since 1976. He represents all the insurers of long-term care. He offers a FREE PROGRAM to clubs and organizations, “The Problems and Concerns of Needing Long Term Care”. One organization after hearing the program wrote, “It was the most informative and entertaining program concerning long-term care we have ever heard”. Additional references are available. Call 800-929-2602 or email dwworman@comcast.net for more information.

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