Description: The author analyzes why LTCi is so risky, capital-intensive and unprofitable, and then makes the case that if we rethink the fundamental way a stand-alone LTCi should work, it can be transformed into a successful product.

Description: The "Think Tank on Steroids" group at the DI and LTC Insurers’ Forum brainstormed about what the United States should do in order to deal with the impending Long-Term Care problem in the United States. The group’s ideal plan for dealing with Long Term Care can be thought of as a three-legged stool. The legs are private savings and assets (including tax-advantaged LTC savings accounts), Long-Term Care Insurance (including smaller, more affordable products), and support from the family. The Medicaid system ought to be reformed so that it is only available to people who have exhausted all other options. The ongoing Think Tank will continue this conversation and publish a white paper detailing the Think Tank’s solution to the problem.

Description: Although rate structures where low-cost cohorts subsidize high cost cohorts may be justified from a actuarial, marketing, or legal standpoint, the subsidization creates risks which must be understood and monitored. This article presents the concept of subsidization signature to measure and interpret the effects of rate subsidization, and to assess the sustainability of rating structures and the sensitivity of business mix assumptions.

Description: A FICTIONAL ACCOUNT OF THE VOLATILITY OF LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE