Pay me now, care for me later; despite the early hype over long-term care policies and the lure of new tax breaks, sales haven't soared the way many insurers expected they would

Article Abstract:

Sales of long-term care (LTC) insurance are often minimal due to public misconceptions such as its failure to provide for inflation, its minimal return on investment, its correlation with expensive nursing-home care and the feeling that there is no genuine need for LTC policies. LTC insurers have to gain a thorough understanding of their market and custom-design their plans accordingly. Boosting premiums and lowering prices can be detrimental in the long term and are not recommended.

Health Care and Social Assistance, HEALTH SERVICES, Medical & Health Services, Marketing, Medical care, Health insurance industry, Long-term care insurance, Long term care insurance, Washington National Corp., WNT

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Insurers must move fast on MSA opportunity

Article Abstract:

Insurers and other companies should plan to begin selling medical savings accounts (MSA) on Jan 1, 1997. Under the Health Insurance Reform Act of 1996, unlimited sales of MSAs will be allowed from Jan 1, 1997, to Sep 1, 1997. The IRS may end MSA enrollments on or after Sep 1, 1997, depending on the sales targets set forth in the legislation. Congress will test the MSA policies in a four-year pilot program.

Planning, Insurance industry, Column, Medical savings accounts

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