|
Pay for Long Term Care Insurance with Health Savings Account: A Little-Known Option
Published: Mon, 19 Jun 2006, 21:46:00 GMT Edited by Christopher L. Simmons
KIRKLAND, WA - June 19 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- As more Americans realize they need long
term care insurance, an issue remains: paying for it on top of already-high health costs.
"For millions, there's a simple answer," says Cameron Truesdell, CEO of LTC Financial
Partners. "Just use some of the money that's already in your Health Savings Account."
Not everyone has a Health Savings Account, but more than three million do, up from one
million in March 2005, according to a White House fact sheet (April 5, 2006). The number
is projected to grow to 29 million. Health Savings Accounts (HSA's) are tax-advantaged
savings accounts restricted to health-related purposes. Funds may be withdrawn tax-free
to pay for deductibles, co-insurance, dental and vision care, and other items including
long term care (LTC) insurance.
"When it comes to financing LTC protection, your HSA is like found money," says Truesdell.
"Hardly anyone knows this. We're spreading the word through our business partners and to
consumers directly."
What if you don't have a Health Savings Account? Consider setting one up. Most Americans
can participate. Those already covered by government health benefits -- through Medicare
or Medicaid, for example -- are generally not eligible. You can open an HSA with a bank,
credit union, insurance company, or other approved organization. Employers may also set
up plans for their employees.
Should you set up an HSA just to pay for long term care insurance? "No," says Truesdell.
"If LTC protection is your only objective, there are more direct funding methods. But
if you're looking for more comprehensive health-care financing, the LTC factor can be
a great trigger. It can motivate you to do a smart thing overall."
LTC Financial Partners, the nation's most experienced long term care insurance
brokerage, has alliances with banks and other organization that offer HSA services
to companies as well as individuals. "Together with our alliance partners," says
Truesdell, "we offer a unique combination of sound LTC and financial resources,
including HSA assistance." Internet-based and by-phone advice may be requested
from over 190 experts nationwide:
"
|
