FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Linda Jobin
ACSIA Partners LLC
linda.jobin@acsiapartners.com
585-739-2319
Fairport, NY January 28, 2020 -- According to many experts, the best way to buy long-term care insurance is through an independent, state-licensed agent. However, not all agents are the same. How do you select a professional who's right for your purposes?
"I suggest asking six key questions," says Linda Jobin, a state-licensed agent with ACSIA Partners LLC, one of the nation’s largest long-term care insurance agencies. The questions are –
1. Do you recommend long-term care insurance for everyone, or are there better solutions for some people? Today, long-term care (LTC) insurance is far from the only way to cover LTC expenses. Current alternatives range from critical illness insurance to life insurance with an LTC rider. "If you’re not absolutely sure if LTC insurance is what you need," says Jobin, "your best bet may be consulting someone who offers the full range of choices."
2. Are you licensed in my geographic area? LTC agents are licensed state-by-state, not nationally. "Be sure you pick someone who’s licensed in your area," Jobin says. "Also, probe the scope of the agent’s practice. Many agents are licensed in two, three, or more states. Licensing in multiple states may be a sign of a person’s proficiency, but some single-state agents build very large clienteles close to home and may be equally experienced."
3. What insurance carriers do you represent? "If the agent mentions just one carrier, beware," says Jobin. "Your best bet is someone who represents multiple companies, offering a range of coverage options. The idea is to compare alternative plans and find the one with the features you want at a cost with which you are comfortable. Also, if your application is turned down by one company, you'll have alternatives."
4. Do you receive higher commissions on some LTC policies than on others? "The best answer is no," says Jobin. "Some agencies, including ours, have a procedure for equalizing commission income. This ensures that agents get the same commission rate no matter what policy you buy. There’s no temptation for them to push a high-profit item."
5. What can you tell me about tax breaks and other financial ramifications of long-term care insurance? "An LTC agent is NOT a financial or tax expert, but should be knowledgeable in those areas," says Jobin. "Experienced agents know about the relevant regulations and often consult with clients' financial advisors, accountants, estate planners, and attorneys."
6. How can I learn more about you? "The aim of this question is to uncover the agent’s reputation," says Jobin. "Can they name professionals who recommend them? Have they been featured in or consulted on any online, magazine, or newspaper articles? Are they scheduled to speak at an upcoming event? Can they be found on the Internet? Can they give you references?"
"Regardless of whether you engage a particular agent," says Jobin, "answers to these questions will get you off to a good start toward the protection you seek."
As a licensed long-term care insurance agent, Jobin advises on the full range of LTC planning options, which include:
Jobin may be reached at http://RELIABLEINSURANCEADVICE.COM or 585-739-2319.
Jobin is a licensed long-term care insurance agent who represents the company in AZ, CA, CT, FL, IA, IL, KS, MA, MD, MI, MN, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA.
In California the company is known as xACSIA Partners Insurance Agency; in other states, as ACSIA Partners.
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