Helping clients decide: When long term care insurance is worth it

Long term care insurance can be valuable — but only in certain situations. We offer the guidance you need to evaluate when it makes sense for your clients and when alternative strategies may be more beneficial.

What is long term care insurance?

Long term care insurance requires around 10 years of premium payments, after which clients can access a benefit pool that grows at an annual rate of 3 to 5%. The model made more sense when older policies offered greater value and affordability. But with today’s rising premiums and care costs, clients need to carefully evaluate the potential returns against alternative investment options.

What does the industry get wrong about long term care insurance?

The way we see it, a personalized evaluation is the only place to start.

  • To match the value of the benefit pool, market investments might only need to yield a 4-6% return.
  • Current products might not provide the same value as older, underpriced policies.
  • Sales tactics often hinge on fear of affording care, rather than providing education to support decision-making.
  • Insurance companies often cite claims data for premium hikes, but the reality is that financial losses from long-standing claims are impacting younger policyholders.
  • When premiums increase, clients need clear guidance about their options and the potential implications.
  • Some insurers offer buyout options, allowing clients to exit their policy entirely.

Potential benefits of long term care insurance

Financial protection

Long term care insurance can help cover the costs of aging, protecting clients from significant out-of-pocket expenses.

Access to quality care

Clients can set themselves up for better access to a range of care options, including home care, assisted living, and nursing facilities.

Preserving independence

With long term care insurance, clients can maintain their independence and choice about their care.

Peace of mind

Having a plan in place for future needs can reduce stress and anxiety about the potential large expenses of care in the future.

Why Blue Herring?

We expect more from the life, disability, long-term care, and annuities insurance industry. So should you. Our fiduciary- and attorney-preferred independent underwriting model gives individuals, businesses, and financial advisors the transparency and leverage they need to get the right policies for their insurance plans, at significantly lower prices.

  • We comparison-shop real prices for your insurance policies — not quotes based on incomplete information.
  • We tell you everything you need to make the best decision, and we’ll share industry secrets you should know before you buy.
  • We operate as a team with companies, individuals, and advisors looking for the best insurance policies at the best price.
Solid background
C1AB39E9-7029-46F8-97AA-C8A2B5BFE4EF
C1AB39E9-7029-46F8-97AA-C8A2B5BFE4EF

Meet your match.

Our extensive network of small, large, mutual, and public carriers positions us to find the best policy at the best price.

How it works

We take an open-minded approach to carriers, products, and solutions, exploring the entire market to help find the best fit for your client’s needs.

1. Gather informationn

Learn about health status, financial circumstances, and specific needs.

2. Medical underwriting

Be prepared for medical underwriting, which may involve additional health-related details to assess eligibility.

3. Phone interview

Most carriers require a phone interview that includes cognitive tests.

Illustration of shield with medical cross
4. Check for exemptions

Blue Herring may have exemptions from certain requirements.

5. Stay informed

There is no universal solution for long term care insurance applications, making it important to stay current on policy changes and industry trends.

Don’t take our word for it

Hear from the clients who’ve experienced the Blue Herring difference.

“Blue Herring is very responsive and willing to listen to my desires and goals. It’s good to have the sense that someone has my interests in mind, and I’m not just a number. Trust is key and it goes both ways. Well done Blue Herring.”
Bob S
“Blue Herring has been an invaluable resource in my professional life as throughout numerous pivots and growth moments. Zach in particular has shown up with an impeccable strategic mindset offering a steadfast partner in planning when the seas turned rough. I can’t imagine doing business without Blue Herring providing the unseen but critical infrastructure needed to thrive.”
Colin Boyd
“Zach has been patient and great to work with in helping us find the best options for my family and I.”
J J
“Alex was communicative and made sure all of my questions were answered. I would recommend reaching out to him if you were interested about the services he offers to see what he can do for you. I had a good experience and would recommend Blue Herring to others.”
Jamie
“Blue Herring has created a terrific "listen first, act accordingly" environment, and built a comfortable strategy around that, specific to my family’s needs.”
Jay Rushforth
“Zach has been excellent and continues to work hard to make sure my family and I are well positioned for our future and our goals. Zach has a knack for helping you understand what can at times seem very complicated. Overall I’ve been very happy with my time with Zach and Blue Herring.”
Jeffrey McLaren
“The process was smooth and seamless. Such a good idea to pre-qualify an applicant through MANY companies and then, once quotes come in, to then formally apply and do blood work/medical exam. Through this process, we found some excellent rates.”
Zac Kester
“Zach and the team at Blue Herring are the best I have worked with in their field (and raising the standard for financial services). Always a great experience!”
Maria Castellez
“Alex, Zach and the Team at Blue Herring have gone to great lengths to keep my family and I on the right track to a secure financial future. Admittedly, I’m not the best at keeping up with my own business. The follow through, updates and reminders have been incredibly helpful; to keep us on track and engaged. I’d 1000% recommend Blue Herring to anyone trying to increase their personalized connectivity with their financial portfolio.”
Michael Fawcett
“Zach is great! Very knowledgeable about his business and cares about the success of his clients. You can feel confident that he is looking out for your best interest with what ever he suggests. I can’t recommend him highly enough.”
Paul Stanley
“Zach and his team are true professionals: honest, prompt, and kind. It has been a joy being their client. It’s a great relief knowing that my best interests are in such great hands. I can’t recommend them highly enough.”
Scott Moreau
“Zach and the team help you plan for the future of your business whether you plan to stay in it or not. Very honest and trustworthy – have proven time and time again they have the client’s best interests on their minds.”
Shannon Foglia
“What a pleasure to work with Alex Grammatic of Blue Herring. He’s knowledgeable, honest and hard-working, and managed to get us the best insurance policy for the most reasonable cost. A win-win. My husband and I highly recommend doing business with Blue Herring.”
Sue Zelie
“Alex was knowledgable, presented choices, and discussed what various options meant for us. He was always available to answer questions and concerns via email or cell phone. We were confident that he would always follow through and check up on how things were going, and if we felt they were proceeding smoothly. He was professional and addressed our specific insurance needs. We would recommend Blue Herring and Alex Grammatic if your business has insurance needs.”
Victoria Sabo
“Zach and the team help you plan for the future of your business whether you plan to stay in it or not. Very honest and trustworthy – have proven time and time again they have the client’s best interests on their minds.”
Shannon Foglia
“The process was smooth and seamless. Such a good idea to pre-qualify an applicant through MANY companies and then, once quotes come in, to then formally apply and do blood work/medical exam. Through this process, we found some excellent rates.”
Zac Kester
“Zachary Taylor, of Blue Herring, provided my family with the security we needed to feel confident and prepared for the future. We highly recommend their services.”
Zachary Wise

Insurance analysis and sourcing you can trust

We’re making insurance easy, efficient, and transparent, so you can solve your clients’ most complex challenges and simple needs with confidence.