Before you ask about that number—what’s it cost?—you should get at least some idea of whether or not you’re insurable. LTCI is underwritten. That means the insurance company will ask both you and your physicians very specifically about your health history, and, in some cases, about that of your parents.
Before you submit an actual application for coverage, insist that your agent pre-qualify you anonymously with several well-rated LTCI companies. The agent won’t use your name, but he or she will review your health history with those insurers to tentatively determine which would treat you most favorably both in terms of current costs as well as concerning the availability of benefits. In short, how you will likely be underwritten.
If you haven ‘t had a full physical with your primary care physician in the last two years, it would be a good idea to do so before you apply for LTCI. Health underwriters prefer to see applicants with reasonably current medical records. In fact, some insurers will not issue a preferred rate class to an applicant who hasn’t had a full physical within the last two years.
Pre-qualifying will allow you to thereafter focus more realistically on competitive policy benefits and current costs in the light of your needs and budget.
On the following page, we have provided an LTC Pre-Qualification Health Form. If you would like us to do an anonymous preliminary review on your behalf, please print and complete the form, and send it to us online at tom@futurecareassociates.com, by fax at 412-774-1980 or snail mail at Thomas M. Lilly 302 Butternut Court Pittsburgh, PA 15238. Please jot your phone number or email address on the form.