What Do Clinicians Caring for Aging Patients Need to Know About Private Long-Term Care Insurance?

Abstract

Preparing for future long-term care (LTC) needs is a critical component of successful aging. Clinicians with aging patient panels may be a valuable source of information about the importance of LTC planning and the mechanisms available to do so, including private LTC insurance (LTCi). This article provides an overview, from a clinician's perspective, of current LTC financing and the key questions patients should consider when assessing LTCi. Although actual purchasing decisions likely require support from impartial financial experts, clinicians may be well positioned to help initiate difficult conversations about LTC planning and point patients to unbiased resources concerning LTCi. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2167–2173, 2019.