tivity seniors typically have dif-
ficulty performing.
The policy should have Unin-
tentional Lapse Protection,
meaning a third party is named
to notify of your policy termina-
tion because of non-payment of
premium.
If you're younger than 60, in-
clude an inflation rider to make
sure your benefits keep up with
the cost of living. But resist the
nonforfeiture benefit (lets you get
part of your money back if you
cancel the policy) no matter how
hard it's being pushed. It will
shoot your premium through the
roof.
A good basic policy, counselors
on aging agree, should cover
three years in a nursing home
and pay a minimum of $100 per
day. Most suggest opting for a de-
ductible period, meaning that the
policy doesn't pay for the first few
days.
A 20-day deductible isn't un-
reasonable. That ought to reduce
your premium by 10 percent or
so and, besides, if you need
skilled long-term care, such as a
24-hour nurse, Medicare will pay
the first 20 days anyway.

WHEN TO BUY
Most people buy policies when
they already have one foot in the
nursing home. The best time to
get one is when you're between
55 and 65. Nonetheless, the is-
sue is worth raising with people
of all ages.
In 1995, a basic policy sold
through American Express Fi-
nancial Advisors (formerly IDS)
showed: At 55, a nonsmoker
would pay $750 annually for 22
years bringing his total payments
to $16,500. The same benefits
purchased at 65 would almost
double in cost:
Premiums would cost $2,000,
assume a life expectancy to 80,
total is $30,000. At 75, the policy
would be a whopping $4,500 an-
nually, which, assuming life ex-
pectancy of 84, would cost you
$40,500.

PROBLEMS
Even if you buy the "right" pol-
icy, it's a mistake to assume col-
lecting on it will be a snap. One
of the biggest barriers: The per-
son who bought the policy is of-
ten incapacitated by the time a
claim is filed. The policyholder is
at a great disadvantage when
disputes about coverage arise.
Review the policy with some-
one who will be responsible for
making claims if you can't do it.
Let them know what the policy
says and where to find it when
the time comes.
Many people are snagged by
technicalities because of the com-
plexities of the trigger benefits
and past attempts by a handful
of insurance companies to use
contract loopholes to avoid pay-
ing claims.
LTC VS. TLC page 71

N

SW

Our Commitment To Jewish
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THE

SINAI FAMILY

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EVEN MORE

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Although we're now part of the area's largest
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Tolind out just how much the Sinai family has grown,

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