Retirement Risk
Long-term care, planned right.
70% of retirees need LTC. Median cost exceeds $100k/year and Medicare does not cover it. The decision must be made before age 62.
The three paths
- Traditional LTC insurance: Lowest cost. Use-it-or-lose-it. Premiums may increase.
- Hybrid life/LTC: Permanent life policy with LTC rider. Death benefit if unused.
- Self-funding: Reserve $500k+ specifically for care. Only viable above $3M net worth.
Mandatory features
- Inflation rider — non-negotiable; care costs rise 4–5% per year.
- Shared-care rider for couples — pool benefits.
- State Partnership Program eligibility — protects assets from Medicaid spend-down.
- 3–5 year benefit period — covers typical care duration.
Continue: Retirement security framework →