Younger is Better

It is important to apply for long term care insurance at the youngest age you can afford to do so. The reason is that your chances of being approved are better. You can also potentially qualify for a good health discount. That discount decreases as you age since your health is typically not as good.

Percentage of Applicants Who Qualify for Good Health Discount

Age of Applicant and percent who qualify
Under 30 == 66.5%
30 to 39 == 61%
40 to 49 == 53.7%
50 to 59 == 44.2%
60 to 69 == 31.9%
70 to 79 == 18.8%
80 and Over == 11.2%

Source: American Association for Long Term Care Insurance AALTCI.org, Study of 2005 policy applicants. Data released Feb 2006.

I'll be honest. From the applications that I receive in the office, we don't see anything near these numbers as people approach age 50. The reasons typically are the height/weight ratio, smoking or use of high blood pressure medication. If you are thinking about long term care insurance, do it while you're young.

Medicare Part D - Deadline is Over

If you didn't get a Part D drug plan, you are locked out until November 15 - December 31. As of right now, there will be a 7% penalty added to your premium if you didn't sign up for a plan.

We can help you at the end of the year. If you need a plan or if you find your plan didn't do what you thought it would or if you got into the coverage gap too early in the year, please call us. We help our clients each year determine if they have the correct plan for the medications they are taking.

If you are turning 65 between now and the end of the year, you have a 7 month time frame to sign up for a drug plan without a penalty. Please call us, we can help.

Women's Guide to Health - 50's

Many people consider this time the "prime of life" because you are free of menstruation (for most), free of your children (for most) and are able to enjoy life. Skin health and care should be the top concern. Previous sun worshipping may have resulted in age spots, wrinkling and dried-out skin. While you can't reverse the effects, you can start to be smart about using sun block, moisturizers and mild soaps on your delicate skin.

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated from the inside out. Routinely check any moles or age spots that seem to transform in color or shape. This could be a sign of skin cancer. Continue with your regular exams and tests. You may only need a Pap every two or three years. It may be a good time to start annual flu shots.