Unfortunate as it is, individual or group health insurance plans will not cover long term care for those under age 65. Retiree health plans, Medicare and Medicare Supplemental insurance will not cover long term care for those over age 65.

Long term care is no longer an issue for only the elderly. Over 43% of Americans receiving care for an extended period of time are under age 65. Long term care is care provided for those who are chronically ill, whether they are cared for in a facility or at home. Accident and illness can happen to people of any age.

Few people realize that regular health insurance will not pay for care for a 42-year-old woman who has a massive stroke at the office, or a 53-year-old male who is diagnosed with progressive Alzheimer's disease. Yet, they do need LONG TERM CARE!

Younger people could also need care due to Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Huntington's Disease, horseback riding or skiing accidents, brain tumors or closed-head injuries.

LONG TERM CARE IS NOT LIMITED TO NURSING HOME CARE FOR THE ELDERLY.

The need for long term care is attributed to the fact that the population is aging. There is actually a shortage of caregivers in the home due to the fact that more than 60% of women are working outside the home. Children are locating away from parents, so the need for care in facilities or paid caregivers in the home is increasing rapidly.

I, too, was in denial. I kept telling myself that an accident or illness would strike someone else and not me. I recently lost a very close family member who required care for several years. The financial consequences to our family were beyond belief.

There are only three ways to pay for long term care: CASH...MEDICAID...and LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE.

I haven't worked for the past 19 years to spend my retirement income on long term care and I have an aversion to welfare.

I would never dream of being a burden to my husband or sons. I've always been independent and able to make informed choices. It is because of the love I have for my family that I am proud to say that thirteen years ago I bought a long term care insurance policy.

I feel secure knowing that I'm spending pennies to protect valuable dollars. As of January 1, 1997, long term care insurance premiums and services are tax deductible along with unreimbursed medical and dental expenses that exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income (for federal tax purposes).

Benefits received from a tax qualified long term care insurance policy are NOT subject to federal taxation. Check with your tax advisor for specifics.

All state approved long term care insurance policies purchased prior to January 1, 1997 are grandfathered for tax favored treatment.

Dorothy McMahon is a Long Term Care Insurance Specialist, a Certified Senior Advisor and President of McMahon And Associates. She can be reached at 800-727-0045. Call for your complimentary Shopper’s Guide to Long Term Care Insurance or to discuss some of the many excellent Long Term Care insurance policies that are available through her agency.