NEW LONG-TERM CARE HYBRIDS

            As insurers endeavor to make long-term care policies more affordable, some are developing new products that combine long-term care insurance with life insurance. These life insurance hybrids require an investment in a lump sum or payment of premiums for ten years, after which the insured receives either long-term care payouts or their heirs receive a death benefit. For instance, a 60-year-old would invest $50,000 and, in turn, could receive payouts of up to $216,000 (up to $3,000 per month for six or more years) for long-term care in a nursing home or assisted living facility or at home. If he or she were to die before long-term care is needed, his or her heirs would receive a $72,000 benefit.

NOTE: In the insurance hybrid mentioned above, funds used for long-term care reduce the death benefit to heirs.