Rising long-term care costs pose financial burden for many Americans

From CNBC: 2025-05-17 06:15:00

Long-term care can exceed $100,000, with 57% of Americans turning 65 today needing such care. Future costs could reach $122,400, a sum out of reach for many. Workers lack the savings or insurance, leaving many unprepared for the financial burden as the population ages.

Many households are unaware of potential long-term care costs, with 15% expected to pay at least $100,000. Costs vary by state and service, with monthly expenses around $6,300 for home health aides and $9,700 for nursing homes. Health insurance and Medicare generally don’t cover long-term care expenses.

Few households have long-term care insurance, with only 7.5 million Americans covered in 2020. States like Washington offer public insurance programs, but traditional standalone policies can be expensive. Hybrid insurance combining life insurance and long-term care benefits may be more cost-effective for those at high risk.

Long-term care planning is crucial as costs are unpredictable. Experts advise considering hybrid insurance policies for those at risk, as traditional policies can be costly. Understanding how policies pay benefits, such as reimbursement or indemnity, is essential for proactive long-term care planning. 1. The stock market experienced a sharp decline today, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping over 500 points. Investors are concerned about rising inflation and the potential impact on economic growth.

2. The United Nations released a report stating that global temperatures are on track to rise by 3.2 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for countries to take action to combat climate change.

3. The latest data from the Labor Department shows that the unemployment rate in the United States has dropped to 4.2%. This is the lowest rate since the start of the pandemic, signaling a strong recovery in the job market.

4. In tech news, Apple announced the launch of its new iPhone 13 models, featuring improved cameras and 5G connectivity. The company also unveiled a new iPad and Apple Watch, driving excitement among consumers and investors alike.

5. Health officials are warning about a surge in COVID-19 cases in several states, driven by the highly contagious Delta variant. Hospitals are seeing an increase in admissions, prompting renewed calls for vaccination and mask-wearing to curb the spread of the virus.

Read more: Why long-term care costs can be a ‘huge problem’