Long-Term Care Insurance Now

40 Episodes
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By: Scott A. Olson

Welcome to Long-Term Care Insurance Now. Your trusted source for the latest insights, updates, and expert guidance on long-term care insurance. This show aims to break down everything you need to know to make informed decisions about protecting your future. Hosted by Scott A. Olson, CLTC, a nationally recognized expert with over 25 years of experience in the field. His work has been featured in the New York Times, among other national and trade publications. Scott has helped thousands of individuals and families navigate the complex world of long-term care planning.

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22 Reasons Why LTC Insurance Is A LOT Better Today than 25 Years Ago: Part 2
Today at 7:00 AM

Discover why today's long-term care (LTC) insurance policies offer unprecedented financial and legal safeguards compared to plans from decades past. In this episode, Scott A. Olson breaks down three modern improvements: state-enforced rate-stability regulations, federally standardized benefit triggers that eliminate confusing fine-print loopholes, and unmatched tax-free benefits and premium deductions. Learn how these modern protections can safeguard your assets from catastrophic long-term care costs.

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22 Reasons Why LTC Insurance Is A LOT Better Today than 25 Years Ago: Part 1
Last Thursday at 10:00 PM

Discover why today's long-term care (LTC) policies are drastically safer and more consumer-friendly than those from decades ago. In this episode, Scott A. Olson breaks down two modern improvements to LTC insurance: state-approved partnership programs that provide dollar-for-dollar asset protection against Medicaid spend-down, and realistic up-front pricing that prevents the massive future rate hikes plaguing older policies. Learn how these modern safeguards protect your nest egg and future.

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Part 3 of 3: The Worst Long-Term Care Policy I've Ever Seen
10/04/2026

In the final installment of our series on the worst long-term care policy ever seen, Scott A. Olson explains why you can't rely on employer-sponsored policies for long-term care planning. Discover the three major red flags: catastrophic lapse risk, zero inflation protection, and ambiguous claim triggers. Learn how a properly structured 7702B hybrid policy can guarantee coverage for life and fully protect your retirement portfolio from these policy traps.

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Part 2 of 3: The Worst Long-Term Care Policy I've Ever Seen
09/30/2026

In part two of our deep dive, long-term care insurance (LTCi) expert Scott A. Olson exposes the shocking dangers of inadequate benefit maximums, frozen payouts, and dangerous claim triggers in the worst long-term care policy ever seen. Discover why a fixed $2,000 monthly benefit with no inflation protection becomes obsolete over time, and why archaic "medically necessary" clauses can leave you stranded when you need help most. Learn how to avoid these costly employer-sponsored policies and protect your financial future with contractually guaranteed, tax-deductible, federally compliant LTC insurance coverage!

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Part 1 of 3: The Worst Long-Term Care Policy I've Ever Seen
09/23/2026

In part one of our three-part series, long-term care expert Scott Olson exposes what he considers the worst long-term care policy he has ever reviewed. Discover why an employer-sponsored universal life policy with an LTC rider can quietly turn into a financial time bomb as you age. Learn about the hidden dangers of escalating internal insurance costs, skyrocketing premiums, and the critical tax disadvantages of non-qualified plans. 

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Seven Reasons to Buy a Traditional LTC Insurance Policy
09/19/2026

Is traditional long-term care insurance really "dead," or are asset-based hybrid policies just being overhyped? In this episode, long-term care expert Scott A. Olson busts the industry myth that hybrid life insurance policies are always the superior choice. He breaks down the actual numbers and highlights seven specific reasons why standalone coverage offers far greater financial leverage. Learn how to evaluate your health history, avoid paying for unnecessary permanent life insurance and choose the right policy based on real math rather than marketing spin.

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The Best Long-Term Care "Bucket" You Can Buy
09/16/2026

Is setting aside a dedicated pile of cash really the best way to plan for long-term care, or does it leave your retirement dangerously exposed? In this episode, long-term care specialist Scott A. Olson responds to a recent Morningstar article and exposes the hidden costs, capital drag, and compounding losses of trying to self-insure. He contrasts do-it-yourself funding with the power of financial leverage from long-term care insurance, illustrating how an asset-based hybrid policy or traditional coverage can deliver significantly higher, contractually guaranteed benefits at less than half the upfront cost. Learn how to build an efficient long-term care...


The Best Way to Fund Long-Term Care Expenses with an HSA
09/06/2026

Should you skip long-term care insurance and just self-insure with a Health Savings Account (HSA)? Scott A. Olson breaks down why using an HSA to fund potential long-term care (LTC) needs is a risky financial gamble that wastes valuable tax deductions. Instead of relying on a strictly capped savings balance to cover catastrophic costs, learn how a properly structured LTC policy provides a growing pool of tax-free benefits. Scott also reveals two legitimate, IRS-approved ways to use your pre-tax HSA funds to pay your policy premiums and cover high-deductible elimination periods. 

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How to Fund Long-Term Care Tax-Free: The Power of Life and Annuity LTC Hybrids
09/03/2026

While traditional long-term care insurance offers strong value for many, hybrid policies provide key advantages that make them a great choice in specific health and financial scenarios.

In this episode, long-term care specialist Scott A. Olson breaks down seven compelling reasons to choose a hybrid policy, covering benefits like lenient underwriting, cash indemnity payouts, and international care. You will also learn how to leverage tax-free 1035 exchanges to turn old life insurance policies or taxable deferred annuities into dedicated, tax-free care funds. Learn the real mechanics behind hybrid coverage and discover how to find the right policy design...


Can Putting Your House in an Irrevocable Trust for Medicaid Backfire?
08/27/2026

Is locking your house into an irrevocable trust really the best way to protect your assets from long-term care costs? Long-term care insurance expert Scott A. Olson breaks down the hidden risks of using Medicaid asset protection trusts, including loss of control, limited facility choices, and long waiting lists. He explains why relying on Medicaid often restricts your care to lower-quality facilities and why most care actually happens at home or in assisted living. Discover how a Long-Term Care Partnership policy offers dollar-for-dollar asset protection while letting you keep control of your property, your care options, and your dignity. 


Can You Use an HSA to Self-Insure for Long-Term Care? (Why the Math Fails)
08/23/2026

Can you really self-fund your long-term care by investing in a Health Savings Account instead of buying insurance? In this episode, Scott A. Olson breaks down the flawed logic behind using an HSA for long-term care and reveals why this strategy leaves your retirement exposed to major tax and timing risks. You will see the real comparison between relying on an estimated $292K HSA balance and securing up to $1.9 million in guaranteed, inflation-protected insurance benefits. Learn how to combine your HSA with a smart long-term care policy to protect your family's future.

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Is Long-Term Care Insurance Harder to Buy? Why Clark Howard Got It Wrong!
08/19/2026

Is long-term care insurance truly harder to buy, or are common financial myths steering consumers in the wrong direction? Scott A. Olson breaks down a recent Clark Howard article to debunk major misconceptions around modern underwriting, Medicaid qualification, and hybrid policies. Learn why long-term care is the single largest unhedged financial risk to your retirement nest egg and how proactive planning in your 50s protects both your wealth and family caregivers.

Long-Term Care Insurance Is Getting Harder To Buy. Here’s Why You Might Not Need It Anyway by Clark.com

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The Care Circle & The Administrative Burden of Aging
08/15/2026

In this episode, Scott A. Olson, co-founder of LTCShop.com, debunks the myth of self-funding long-term care and explains why every successful plan requires legal care documents, funding and a dedicated care circle. Through real-life stories, Scott illustrates how having a clear claims plan and proper coverage protects family caregivers, prevents forced asset liquidation, and preserves estate value during a health crisis.

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Why You Can’t (and Shouldn’t) File an LTCi Claim Alone
08/13/2026

Filing a long-term care insurance claim can be an overwhelming administrative battle for family members, especially when the policyholder is already facing severe health or cognitive decline. In this episode, Scott A. Olson, co-founder of LTCShop.com and author of Long-Term Care Insurance Now, breaks down the five major roadblocks in the claims process. Drawing on a real-life family case study, he exposes common communication traps, strict documentation deadlines, and the administrative stress family caregivers face.

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Why Donna Chose Traditional LTCi Over a Hybrid After Her Husband’s 7 Years of Care
08/08/2026

In this episode, long-term care specialist Scott A. Olson breaks down the real-life client profile of "Donna," a 70-year-old widow who secured over $250,000 in long-term care coverage despite recent mobility challenges. Scott debunks common hybrid policy myths and explains how waiting for full rehabilitation after a severe foot injury allowed Donna to qualify for a traditional partnership policy. Learn how automatic 3% compound inflation protection and Medicaid dollar-for-dollar asset protection gave Donna complete peace of mind while safeguarding her estate for her heirs.

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Why Self-Insuring for Long-Term Care Makes No Sense (Even with an 8-figure Net Worth)
08/06/2026

In this episode, Scott A. Olson breaks down why self-insuring for long-term care often fails to make financial sense, even for individuals with an eight-figure net worth. Drawing from a Bogleheads forum debate, this video reveals how maintaining long-term care insurance protects your assets. Beyond portfolio defense, it helps you access care and eliminates emotional friction among family members during a health crisis. Learn why strategic risk transfer remains essential for preserving wealth, reducing family stress, and optimizing your overall retirement plan.

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Busting Common LTCi Myths: What if the insurance company goes out of business?
08/02/2026

In this episode of Long-Term Care Insurance Now, nationally recognized expert Scott A. Olson addresses the top objections and fears consumers face when considering long-term care insurance. Scott cuts through industry myths to break down insurer solvency, the reality of filing claims without stress, and why insurance offers immediate financial leverage that standard investments can't match. He also clarifies common misconceptions about facility restrictions and international coverage options for those planning to retire abroad. Watch to learn how to evaluate your options objectively and make an informed decision for your financial future.

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IUL vs. True Hybrid LTC: Head-to-Head $150,000 Case Study (Gene's Story) Part 2
07/29/2026

What happens when you ask a financial generalist for long-term care insurance? In Part 2 of this head-to-head comparison, Scott A. Olson contrasts an Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policy sold to a 54-year-old with a true, asset-based long-term care hybrid policy for the exact same $15,000 annual budget. 

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Scott A. Olson, CLTC®, is co-founder of LTCShop.com and host of...


The $150,000 IUL Trap: Why Chronic Illness Riders Fail at Age 80 (Gene’s Story) Part 1
07/26/2026

In this episode, Scott A. Olson breaks down a real-world case study of "Gene," a 54-year-old who set out to protect his savings from future long-term care costs but was sold an Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policy. Using his "Seven K.E.Y. Questions" framework, Scott reveals how this policy leaves buyers with zero guaranteed long-term care benefits and a plan that could completely lapse if they need care. Learn how to discover the common mistakes financial advisors make with LTC planning and how to ensure your life savings are genuinely protected.

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Why 95% of Financial Advisors Recommend the Wrong Long-Term Care Policy (Case Study: Tony & Natalie)
07/22/2026

In this episode, long-term care insurance expert Scott A. Olson uses a real-world case study to reveal how a pitch for life insurance with a chronic illness rider falls short as a long-term care strategy. By putting the proposal through his Seven K.E.Y. Questions test, Scott exposes hidden pages, non-guaranteed values, and the heavy impact of inflation on weak benefit pools. See how a properly designed policy compares, offering guaranteed inflation protection and over $1.1 million in LTC benefits for the same premium.

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Lapsing at 84: Is Your Life Insurance Policy a Ticking Time Bomb?
07/18/2026

In this episode, long-term care specialist Scott A. Olson shares a real-world case study about a couple who bought a hybrid life insurance policy, only to realize it still left them vulnerable to long-term care costs. By subjecting their policy to his "Seven K.E.Y. Questions" test, Scott shows how the fine print capped their benefits against inflation and risked the policy lapsing entirely when they turned 84. He also explains how a properly structured, true asset-based policy could have provided over $1.1 million in guaranteed care protection for the same budget.

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Seven K.E.Y. Questions for Long-Term Care Planning (Part 3)
07/15/2026

In this final episode of our miniseries, we reveal the last two crucial questions you must ask before purchasing long-term care insurance. Scott exposes dangerous premium traps and contrasts the real costs of different inflation protection riders. He explains why you must demand to see the "guaranteed values" page of a contract. Ready to take the guesswork out of your future? Head over to LTCShop.com to use our Policy Finder and get your customized, anonymous quote today!

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Seven K.E.Y. Questions for Long-Term Care Planning (Part 2)
07/11/2026

In this episode, Scott A. Olson breaks down the three critical questions you must ask about any long-term care policy, including how to verify your monthly maximum benefits and safeguard your total pool of money against compounding inflation. Scott exposes the massive difference between contractually guaranteed values and risky, non-guaranteed projections, so you can ensure your plan actually pays the bills when you need it most.

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Seven K.E.Y. Questions for Long-Term Care Planning (Part 1)
07/09/2026

Are you confused by the jargon and sales pitches surrounding long-term care insurance? Join expert Scott A. Olson as he breaks down the first two of seven critical questions you must ask before purchasing a policy to ensure you aren't being steered toward the wrong product. Learn how to identify the right type of coverage and verify if your advisor is truly qualified to help you protect your financial future.

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The Hidden Trap in the New York Long Term Care Trust Act
07/04/2026

In this episode, long-term care expert Scott A. Olson breaks down the proposed New York Long-Term Care Trust Act and the potential impact it could have on your paycheck. Modeled after a similar program in Washington State, this legislation would implement a mandatory payroll deduction for W-2 and self-employed workers to fund a state-run long-term care program. Olson warns viewers about a "hidden trap" in the current bill: a retroactive opt-out deadline that requires residents to own private insurance before the bill is even officially signed into law.

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Episode 100 Celebration: Scott Answers Your Questions (Part 3)
07/01/2026

Welcome to the 100th episode celebration of LTCi Now! In this special episode, Scott A. Olson wraps this series up by pulling back the curtain on long-term care planning and content creation. He also reveals the surprising lack of education among financial planners regarding long-term care insurance. Scott also explains why he uses real-life case studies to bust common industry myths and shares his top episode recommendations for financial professionals.

Your support made it possible for us to get to 100 episodes! We couldn't have done this without you. Thank you. Here is to 100 more!

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Episode 100 Celebration: Scott Answers Your Questions (Part 2)
06/27/2026

Welcome to the 100th episode celebration of LTCi Now! In this special Q&A series, Scott A. Olson dives into the common questions you ask about long-term care insurance and this show. In this episode, he dives into his personal journey specializing in long-term care insurance and explains what the CLTC designation means. He also breaks down why common misconceptions about LTCi from financial advisors can cause you to lose thousands of dollars in retirement.

Your support made it possible for us to get to 100 episodes! We couldn't have done this without you. Thank you. Here is...


Episode 100 Celebration: Scott Answers Your Questions (Part 1)
06/25/2026

Welcome to the 100th episode celebration of LTCi Now! In this special Q&A series, Scott A. Olson dives into the common questions you ask about long-term care insurance and this show. He shares the story behind the founding of LTCShop.com, the realities of policy rate increases, and reveals the exact insurance coverage he and his wife have. 

Your support made it possible for us to get to 100 episodes! We couldn't have done this without you. Thank you. Here is to 100 more!

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Chronic Illness Traps! Inflation: The Silent Killer of Your Retirement (4 of4)
06/20/2026

In this episode, long-term care expert Scott A. Olson highlights how inflation acts as a silent killer for retirement plans. This is particularly true when choosing how to fund your long-term care. He shares a real-world example of a client who nearly chose a life insurance policy with a chronic illness rider with flat benefits over a traditional policy whose benefits would double by her 80s due to a 3% compound inflation rider. Ultimately, he outlines five non-negotiable features to look for in a hybrid policy, including a 7702B rider and robust compound inflation protection.

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Chronic Illness Rider Traps! Don't Buy A Policy with an Unknown Benefit Amount (3 of 4)
06/17/2026

Long-term care expert Scott A. Olson exposes another hidden trap of using universal life insurance with chronic illness riders to fund your future care. Sharing a personal story of a policy he bought and quickly canceled, Scott reveals how the fine print allows insurance companies to slash your expected benefits based on life expectancy. Learn how these policies compare to traditional long-term care insurance, which guarantees your benefits from day one.

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Chronic Illness Rider Traps! The Hidden Flaws Your Financial Advisor Doesn't Understand (2 of 4)
06/13/2026

Don't let an "A-to-Z" generalist financial advisor sell you a policy that gambles with your retirement safety net. In this episode, Scott A. Olson breaks down why a chronic illness rider is, at best, a mediocre substitute for true long-term care insurance. Using a real-life story, he exposes how these life insurance riders often lock you into high premiums but could pay absolutely zero for your care if their specific conditions aren't met. Real long-term care insurance is regulated with specific triggers that allow you to access care when and where you need it. 

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Chronic Illness Rider Traps! The Risks of Using Life Insurance for Long-Term Care (1 of 4)
06/10/2026

Scott A. Olson, co-founder of LTCShop.com and author of "Long-Term Care Insurance NOW!", pulls back the curtain on why using an indexed universal life policy and a chronic illness rider is often a massive retirement trap. He exposes how these non-guaranteed life insurance policies carry hidden risks
and extra costs compared to a traditional long-term care insurance policy. Olson challenges the "use it or lose it" fallacy and emphasizes that with traditional LTC insurance, individuals avoid the heavy premium drag of a massive death benefit they do not need, allowing them to invest the savings.

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"I’m 55, married and want a $1.5 million long-term care policy."
06/06/2026

In this episode, Scott A. Olson breaks down a recent MarketWatch article to clear up common misconceptions about long-term care insurance. He highlights how the author completely overlooked the power of a shared benefit rider, which allows a married couple to secure a larger pool of coverage far more affordably than buying separate policies. Scott also tackles the "use it or lose it" myth, addresses historic premium anxieties, and exposes the hidden risks buried inside alternative universal life products with chronic illness riders.

MarketWatch Article: "I’m 55, married, and want a $1.5 million long-term care policy. Do I ge...


The Psychology of LTC Planning
06/03/2026

In this episode, long-term care insurance expert Scott A. Olson argues that asking clients if they would struggle emotionally with spending their assets on care is unhelpful. Most people don't know how they or their family would react when a crisis actually occurs. He explains that decision-making typically defaults to stressed family members, who often default to providing unpaid care themselves rather than spending retirement funds. Scott emphasizes that owning long-term care insurance removes this burden, giving families the peace of mind and financial freedom to hire professional help early.

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Debunking LTCi Planning Myths - Part 2
05/30/2026

Long-term care insurance (LTCi) expert Scott A. Olson analyzes a financial planner's chart to help individuals determine if they should purchase LTCi coverage. He aligns with the planner's view that both aggressive and conservative investors can benefit from LTCi, using a personal story about his mother-in-law to demonstrate how coverage strategically safeguarded her investment portfolio. But even those with a moderate strategy who are prepared to spend their liquid assets on long-term care need to look into how LTCi can protect their future.

"Should I Buy LTCi?" Chart: https://shorturl.at/uMErL

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Debunking LTCi Planning Myths - Part 1
05/27/2026

Long-term care insurance (LTCi) expert Scott A. Olson analyzes a financial planner's chart to help individuals determine if they should purchase LTCi coverage. He reviews three specific suppositions from the chart: affordability, spousal age gaps, and family longevity. He notes where he agrees or disagrees with the planner's logic. Olson points out that asset levels, the hidden costs of self-insuring, and modern medical advancements are critical contexts missing from the chart's generalizations.

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Three Questions to Ask Before You Buy LTCi
05/23/2026

In this episode, long-term care insurance expert Scott A. Olson explains that the decision to buy long-term care insurance is simpler than it may seem. He outlines three key questions people should ask themselves: whether they have assets worth protecting, whether they want to preserve those assets, and whether they are still healthy enough to qualify for meaningful coverage. He emphasizes the importance of working with a long-term care insurance specialist to compare all available options and create a plan that protects both finances and family caregivers.

Should I Buy Long-Term Care Insurance Post

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Elimination Period FAQs
05/20/2026

In this episode, Scott A. Olson answers common questions about how elimination periods work, including whether care days can accumulate over time and whether family-provided care counts toward satisfying the waiting period. The episode concludes with important guidance on avoiding costly mistakes during the claims process and why it's important to understand your elimination period before care is needed.

Welcome to Long-Term Care Insurance Now. Your trusted source for the latest insights, updates, and expert guidance on long-term care insurance. This show aims to break down everything you need to know to make informed decisions about protecting...


How Many Types of Elimination Periods Are There?
05/17/2026

In this episode, Scott A. Olson explains the different types of elimination periods used in long-term care insurance policies. He breaks them down to show how different policies count days toward satisfying the elimination period and why understanding these details can dramatically affect when benefits begin.

Welcome to Long-Term Care Insurance Now. Your trusted source for the latest insights, updates, and expert guidance on long-term care insurance. This show aims to break down everything you need to know to make informed decisions about protecting your future. 

Hosted by Scott A. Olson, CLTC, a nationally recognized e...


Understanding Elimination Periods
05/13/2026

In this episode, Scott A. Olson explains one of the most misunderstood features of long-term care insurance: the elimination period. He breaks down what an elimination period really is and why insurance companies use the term. Scott illustrates several ways to satisfy a ninety-day elimination period quickly and affordably.

Welcome to Long-Term Care Insurance Now. Your trusted source for the latest insights, updates, and expert guidance on long-term care insurance. This show aims to break down everything you need to know to make informed decisions about protecting your future. 

Hosted by Scott A. Olson, CLTC, a...