Federal Consumer Education Pilot Program Jan-Feb 2005
Five states (Arkansas, Idaho, New Jersey, Nevada and Virginia) are the focus of a pilot program implemented by the Dept. of Health and Human Services and the National Governors Association beginning in early 2005. Each state campaign will start with a press conference and letter from the governor stressing the importance to plan for long-term care to individuals ages 50-70 and will continue with paid television and radio spots and a follow-up postcard. The program will drive consumers to ask for a Long-Term Care Planning Kit, which consists of an 81/2 x 11 pamphlet and a 10-part audio cd-rom. While the program mentions other possibilities of long-term care funding such as reverse mortgages and annuities, the emphasis appears to be on long-term care insurance. The campaign materials are especially designed to make people aware that Medicare in particular and health insurance in general doesn't cover long-term care. In other words, consumers need to assess their options and plan ahead.
Information and specific materials for each of the five pilot states can be found at www.ltcaware.info and a general description is in this overview from the Association of Health Insurance Advisors.
Interested consumers will also be directed to SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) counselors in each state for long-term care counseling. The SHIP counselors will distribute a list of long-term care insurance companies who are licensed to sell LTCI in the state for those who express interest in LTC insurance.
Consumers are then left to contact the insurance companies directly. The insurance companies may funnel inquiries to sales representatives.
If you reside in one of the five pilot states, I encourage you to learn what is going on in your state and proactively contact consumers in your area to invite them to address their questions to you. Order the LTC Toolbox yourself so you are completely familiar with its contents. If you reside in other states, educate yourself about the five pilot states with the anticipation that this effort will surface in your state at some point.
