Sandwich Generation Boomers Face Complex Insurance Decisions

As a wife, mother of four, and caregiver for elderly parents, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Amy Grant knows first-hand why understanding your options and planning ahead are key to successfully navigating the unique challenges facing her generation. That's why she is partnering with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to encourage baby boomers to get smart about choices they encounter in this complicated life stage.

"Last year, my sisters and I cared for my mom while also juggling our roles as wives and mothers. Fortunately we all had the support of our husbands and kids," says Grant. "Our family was blessed not to have the financial concerns that often accompany this situation, but I know everyone isn't as lucky. Caring for my mom as she passed away really changed the way I began to think about my own future and that of my children. I think it's important for others to prepare for the inevitable twists and turns heading our way on life's journey. The NAIC is a great resource to get the facts and plan ahead so you can focus on what matters when life's challenges come your way."

Many of the everyday financial choices boomers face come with complex health and life insurance implications. The NAIC can help boomers decide what coverage they need for their stage of life whether it is caring for an ailing parent, thinking about health insurance for a college-age child or planning for retirement.

College-Bound Kids

Research suggests 50 percent of boomers are caring for youngsters at home while providing primary financial support to one or more children over 18. Many of today's boomers find themselves simultaneously researching college campuses for their children and nursing homes for their parents, and trying to figure out how to cover both costs. There are a few insurance options that may be helpful:

    •    Confirm your child can remain covered by a current health insurance policy until age 26; college-bound students may have additional individual health coverage options through the school or a nearby insurer.
    •    If a child has completed college or is no longer financially dependent, review your life insurance policy to determine if you can decrease your life insurance coverage.
    •    As your child plans to leave home, it is a great time to think about your needs. If you're not sure you have the resources to cover your own care in the event ofa chronic health condition or disability, long-term care insurance may be a way to reduce the potential financial burden:
    •    Almost 70 percent of people 65 or older will need long-term care services at some point in their lives, and it can be expensive. Care in a nursing home can cost around $80,000 or more annually, and, of those who enter a nursing home, more than half will stay longer than a year. Many incorrectly believe regular health insurance or Medicare will pay for these services, but on average, Medicare only covers about 2 percent, while private health insurance covers about 1 percent of nursing home costs.
    •    Depending upon the level of your income and assets, you may be eligible for your state's Medicaid program, which will cover some long-term care expenses.
    •    Your age, health status, retirement goals, income and financial assets all are key considerations in determining whether the purchase of private long-term care insurance is a smart choice. Since premiums and health issues increase with age, advisors recommend purchasing a policy before you turn 60. However, since 79 is the average age people enter a nursing home, make sure you can afford the premiums for an extended period of time.
    •    Research the company and agent selling the policy, as both must be licensed in your state. Also find out if your state participates in the Long-Term Care Partnership Program, which allows private long term care insurance coverage while maintaining Medicaid eligibility. Check with your state insurance department for details on what is available where you live.
    •    Check out NAIC's free long-term care buyer's guide and online quiz for more help with this decision.

Caring for Aging Parents

Thanks to advances in healthcare, 71 percent of today's baby boomers have at least one living parent. In addition, slightly more than one out of every eight baby boomers are simultaneously raising a child and providing some form of financial assistance to their parents, and nearly 10 million boomers over 50 are caring for an aging parent. Being well-informed about health and life insurance choices for your parents may help ease your financial burden.

    •    Make sure your parent enrolls in Medicare before they turn 65, and review their total coverage to determine if there are any gaps. Medicare Supplement Insurance — also known as Medigap plans — are available for additional coverage. There are 10 standardized plans ranging from letters A to N; additional coverage and costs increase as you move up the alphabet. NAIC has a free Medigap plan guide to help you learn more.
    •    If your parent needs nursing home care, determine if his/her monthly income meets your state's eligibility level for Medicaid. If your parent does not qualify for Medicaid, find out if he/she has a long-term care insurance policy or a life policy with a rider or accelerated benefits provision that might help cover nursing home care.
    •    Check to see if your parent has a life insurance policy and familiarize yourself with the provisions. If so, store it in a safe place. Know the location of the policy, who is listed as beneficiary, how claims are triggered and payout instructions. If your parent doesn't have a policy, a Guaranteed Issue Whole Life Insurance policy may be an inexpensive option to cover end-of-life expenses.

Planning for Retirement

Approximately 2.5 million boomers turned 65 last year making them eligible for retirement. And more than 72 million pre-boomers are approaching the same milestone. Securing affordable health insurance is one of the greatest obstacles to retiring before age 65. There are many choices to consider:

    •    If you are covered by an employer-sponsored group health insurance policy and planning to retire soon, inquire whether your employer sponsors a retiree group plan, or if you can convert the coverage to an individual policy. Also, compare that coverage with available coverage through your spouse's employer.
    •    If you are in good health and can afford high out-of-pocket expenses (minimum of $1,200 for an individual or $2,400 for a family), you may consider a high-deductible plan. This coverage requires you to pay out of pocket for basic doctor's visits and prescriptions through a tax-advantaged Health Savings Account, but still provides coverage for major medical care such as surgery or disease treatment.
    •    If you have a pre-existing condition, you may qualify for Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plans (PCIP) if you have been uninsured for at least six months. These policies cover a range of benefits including primary and specialty care, hospital care and prescription drugs. They also do not require a higher premium because of your pre-existing condition and do not base eligibility on income.
    •    Depending on your age and future income, purchasing an annuity may make sense as you plan for retirement, as annuities typically pay an income that is guaranteed to last as long you live. Be sure to consider the investment amount and risk tolerance before an annuity purchase. Learn more from NAIC's free guide on fixed deferred annuities.
    •    Annuities are not generally recommended to reach short-term financial goals. Understand the surrender period of the policy and the fees involved to determine if it makes sense for your life stage.
    •    Find out if the annuity allows you to tap into the principal before maturity and if penalties apply for early access. Before you buy, consider all purchase fees and tax implications, and make sure you understand the policy's surrender period. The surrender is how long you must wait before taking money out of an annuity without penalty.

"Whether you are planning for retirement, caring for elderly parents, preparing to send a child to college or maybe all three, the NAIC is here to help you get smart about insurance so you can confidently choose what suits your needs," said Kevin M. McCarty, NAIC President and Florida Insurance Commissioner.

Visit www.insureuonline.orgto find out how to contact your state insurance commissioner, an unbiased resource for insurance information specific to where you live.