In recent years, long term care insurance has been quietly carving a niche for itself among its more popular peers in the insurance industry. At the same time, the average life expectancy in America has been steadily increasing, resulting in a developing population of seniors -- those living well into their 80s and 90s -- who may or may not be prepared for the financial implications of life after retirement. Add to that a growing list of concerns about asset protection and access to quality health care, and suddenly this often-misunderstood industry newcomer is a member of the popular crowd.
But one organization was in the know long before LTCI became one of the cool kids. Founded in 1998, the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI) was created with two fundamental goals in mind: to educate and support those in the insurance industry and to provide an invaluable resource for consumers seeking answers about health care options in their later years.
"The goal of the AALTCI is to educate all Americans about the importance of long term care insurance, why they need it, and how they can get it," says Jesse Slome, executive director of AALTCI. "Because the subject of LTCI is relatively new to the industry, there is a lot of misunderstanding among industry professionals as well as consumers."
Since its inception, the AALTCI has remained true to its word. It has become the nation's leading independent organization dedicated to professionals in the LTCI marketplace and to the individuals and families who are facing or likely to face the many challenges of long term care planning.
In addition to its many resources, the association's Web site (www.aaltci.org) offers what Slome calls one of the greatest benefits for consumers: a tool for locating local LTCI agents. By simply entering their five-digit ZIP code, users can gain access to a list of AALTCI-affiliated agents in their area, complete with information on how to contact each agent.
For agents interested in achieving the Long-Term Care Professional (LTCP) designation, the site offers extensive information on course options, costs involved, and the benefits of becoming an LTCP. Developed jointly by the AALTCI and America's Health Insurance Plans, LTCP is the premier designation for agents in the LTCI field.
By visiting www.aaltci.org, agents can also obtain information on the National LTCI Producers Summit -- the leading LTCI sales event presented by the AALTCI and LTCI Sales Strategies magazine. Being held Nov. 5-7 in Austin, TX, the summit enables agents to meet with top LTCI producers and learn about new marketing strategies to enhance their business and better serve their clients.
The cost of membership with the AALTCI is $49 for one year, $79 for two years, and $99 for three years. Membership benefits include the member's posting on AALTCI's "Find An Agent" Web site, a subscription to LTCI Sales Strategies magazine, free marketing materials created exclusively for members, authorized use of the AALTCI logo, $100 in savings on National LTCI Producers Summit registration fees, a 10 percent discount on marketing/sales tools from AALTCI, savings on E&O professional liability protection for LTCI producers, $240 savings on the LTCP designation self-study registration fee, and qualification for MDRT.
For more information, visit www.aaltci.org.
