Long-term care a complex field

Long-term care is a profession that interacts with other professions such as law, financial planning, taxes, home care and social services. As such, individuals who make a career commitment also make a life-long commitment to education.

Long-term care is not about insurance; it is about solving problems that may arise if you or a family member becomes incapacitated.

Who do I trust to help me solve the long-term care puzzle?

It is always sound strategy to deal with individuals who have made a commitment to their particular profession. They do this by joining organizations that offer continuing education. Many have taken the next step of becoming certified in their field.

For example, "CLU", "ChFC" and or "CFP" are designations earned by life insurance, financial planners and other professionals who understand they need to stay up to date in their fields.

What does CLTC stand for?

CLTC stands for "Certified in Long-Term Care," a designation granted by the Corporation For Long-Term Care Certification. CLTC graduates have completed a rigorous multidisciplinary course that focuses on the profession of long-term care. The program is recognized by state regulators, through the granting of continuing education credits, as having provided essential information necessary to the appropriate sale of long-term care insurance.

Why choose an individual with a CLTC designation?

Long-term care insurance is a complex product. It offers many forms of protection and pricing structures. A CLTC professional is highly trained in the field of long-term care and knows the right questions to ask. Their goal, like all professionals, is to help you solve your needs.

He or she also works closely with other professionals including elder law attorneys. Together they can establish a plan that takes into consideration your circumstances and ability to pay.

Does it cost more to work with a CLTC professional?

No. Like all professionals selling insurance products, CLTC graduates earn a living from commissions paid from insurance carriers. There is no premium charged for the expertise they bring to the table.

How do I know if a CLTC professional is still certified?

Please visit the CLTC Web site at
www.ltc-cltc.com to see if the person you are dealing with is accredited. The site also gives more information about the criteria needed to become certified.