301% rate increase?  What the...?

301% rate increase? What the...?

Author: Diane Stoddart, Certified Long Term Care Consultant, CLTC December 4, 2025 Duration: 17:33
Diane received an email this week from a long time listener who received a notice of a 301% rate increase request from his LTC insurance company. This episode discusses the process of requesting and seeking approval for rate increases. This process is heavily regulated from multiple angles. It's definitely not a random insurance company tactic to create more profit or to force policy holders to cancel their policies. I know it seems like it sometimes. Rate increases cause a lot of headache and extra work and payroll expense to the insurance companies as well. They don't want to have to increase rates. I was going to post the link to the court decision here, but the header on the document says I can't. If you want to find it yourself, look up "New Jersey court prevents LTC rate increase". You'll find it. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) consists of Commissioners from all 50 states. They have a Rate Stability Rule you can read about here If you really like reading about this stuff, the American Association of Actuaries Compliance Guide can be found here Let's find time to have a converstion and determne if and wht kind of and amount of benefits can help your family when that need shows up. Schedule here

Diane Stoddart brings a professional yet deeply personal perspective to the complex world of long-term care planning in Preparing For Tomorrow podcast. As a Certified Long Term Care Consultant, she understands that preparing for future care needs involves more than just finances-it's about safeguarding your family's well-being and peace of mind. Each conversation cuts through the industry jargon to clarify the real options available, from insurance products to legal strategies, all aimed at protecting your life savings from being depleted by unexpected care costs. You'll hear Diane break down essential concepts and terms, making a daunting subject feel manageable and urgent. Alongside expert guests, she explores the emotional and physical dimensions of caregiving, offering a holistic view that acknowledges the full weight of these decisions. This isn't about fear; it's about empowerment through knowledge. Tuning into this podcast provides a straightforward guide to creating a practical plan, ensuring you can face tomorrow with confidence rather than anxiety, knowing your loved ones and your legacy are secure.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Preparing For Tomorrow podcast
Podcast Episodes
$25,000-$30,000 per month for home care and assisted living? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:34
Today, I want to discuss the financial risk we're facing when planning for LTC needs in 20 or 30 years or more. Home care costs increased on average 10% nationwide from 2022-2023. Assisted Living costs increased 5% on av…
They're selling EVERYTHING to qualify for Medicaid [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:09
Yes, a colleague of mine is selling all of her uncle's belongings because he was "put into aged care". Those who plan know where they want to be when a long term care event enters the picture. And they have the income, s…
Make that inherited IRA create tax-free LTC benefits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:40
On Sunday, Suze Orman discussed the finally finalized rules for inherited IRA's. Listen here: https://www.suzeorman.com/podcast Today, I'm going to share a case study to share what one of our clients did with some of the…
What's better than leaving an inheritance? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:22
The two most common reasons people tell me they're looking into LTC insurance are: 1) They don't want to bankrupt their spouse emotionally, physically or financially, and 2) they don't want to burden their children with…
Asking the intrusive health questions gets more approvals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:14
This week, we're talking about health qualifying for LTC benefits. What to do... What not to do... LTC planning is all about timing. If you apply at the wrong time or with the wrong company, you could be declined for som…
Questions I hate to get [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:17
Too often, people contact me when it's too late to access all their LTC planning options. Some people believe they are planning ahead at age 80. Some people wait to inquire until after a diagnosis either limits their opt…
What questions do we get most often? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:53
This week, my husband, Paul, asks me multiple questions that we get quite often. I'm guessing you've asked at least one of these questions if you've been considering LTC insurance to protect your family from an extended…
Why is it important to work with a LTC Planning Specialist? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:56
There are many professionals from whom you can purchase LTC insurance, but an LTC Planning Specialist is going to have the most knowledge and training about all the options that can be available based on unique needs of…
What's a 1035 exchange? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:03
Several people are asking if they can use their life insurance policies for long term care needs. Some newer life insurance plans include a chronic illness rider that let's you use the dealth benefit while still alive an…