Raymond Lavine Warns of Dangers from Delayed Acquisition of LTC Insurance - Discusses the importance of extended care benefits on episode of “Moving America Forward"
Gig Harbor, WA (PRWEB) November 11, 2013 -- November has been designated as Long-Term Care Awareness Month – a time for people to review their present financial situation, prepare for the future, and protect themselves and their loved ones should an illness, accident or frailty occur.
According to the National Medicare Handbook from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (2012), there are approximately 80 million baby boomers living in the United States today. Their research shows that at least 70 percent of people over the age of 65 will need extended care benefits, also known as long term care services, at some point in their lifetime.
In an effort to increase understanding of an issue that will affect 60-70% of Americans (Source: Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services), on October 22nd, Raymond Lavine of Lavine LTC Insurance, appeared on an episode of “Moving America Forward”, where he discussed the risks of waiting too long to purchase long-term care insurance.
Lavine, as well as William Shatner, retired Admiral Kevin Delaney, and moderator Doug Llewellyn, weighed in on the importance of extended care benefits and offer an understanding, some of the common misconceptions of long-term care.
“One of the most common misbeliefs surrounding long-term care today is that health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, or VA benefits will provide caregiving coverage should people need care giving services” said Lavine. “Others believe that assets allocated towards their lifestyle will be sufficient or selling their home will pay for services. And then of course, there’s the belief that their children will pay for their care or be their caregivers. Let's be realistic, the only person responsible – is you to decide how and where you want to have caregiving."
Approximately eight thousand people will turn 65 each day for the next 20 years, and the average 65 year old will live another 18.7 years and probably longer. LTC insurance has become a valuable benefit in the United States due to increased life spans and family and friends are not available to provide part-time or full-time caregiving.
Lavine also talked about his first-hand knowledge of the consequences of not having long-term care insurance, describing to Llewellyn how his parents had to change their lifestyle when his father was disabled.
“Long-term care insurance is not complicated when explained properly,” Lavine offered. The “Moving America Forward” team reached out to Lavine because of his direct and personalized approach to each individual situation. As he explained on the program, this allows him to educate his clients about the risks involved and the options available from the many insurance companies he represents.
“I am not a person that talks about how many years I’ve been in the business or how many clients I have,” declared Lavine. “That IS important, but what differentiates me is my knowledge of the carriers, my personal experiences, and that I explain the 'why’, and not the ‘need’.”
Lavine continued, “I think ‘the need’ has been overplayed. Of course we ALL want to be healthy. We NEED to save for retirement. We NEED to do many things. But what about “the why?” WHY will you be better off if you have an annual physical exam? WHY you will be better off if you have savings and investments? I like ‘the why’ to be the motivating factor for people to own a policy and to protect those who need caregiving, as well as family and friends, from consequences of helping a loved one or friend.
“These are plans,” affirmed Lavine, "where you have to get it right the first time.” Why? Because these plans are health underwritten and at some point in your life whether younger or older you will become ineligible. In addition, plans change and premiums become more expensive.
Retired Rear Admiral Kevin F. Delaney presented the prestigious “Moving America Forward” Award to Lavine, in recognition of his expertise and exceptional professionalism. This award is honors innovative entrepreneurs, who have distinguished themselves and, as a result, are moving America forward.
If you missed the October 22nd broadcast of “Moving America Forward”, click on the link or visit Raymond Lavine’s website, http://www.lavineltcins.com, where the program has been archived.
Raymond Lavine, Lavine: LTC Insurance, http://www.lavineltcins.com, +1 253-275-6091, [email protected]
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