When planning for retirement, we often focus on travel, family and daily expenses. However, there is one “what if” that many Americans avoid: What if I can no longer care for myself? According to the latest U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projections, nearly 70% of Americans reaching age 65 will need some form of long-term care. But there is a massive gap in almost every standard policy that leaves families financially vulnerable.
Whether you are 45 or 75, if you have a plan through your employer, the ACA Marketplace, or private insurance, you likely have zero coverage for long-term custodial care.
The Indiana Reality: 2026 Cost Breakdown
The reason your current insurance doesn’t cover long-term care is the legal distinction between these two types of services:
- Medical Care (What You Have): This is care provided by doctors and nurses to treat an illness or injury. Your insurance covers this because it is “medically necessary.”
- Custodial Care (What You Need): This is non-medical care that helps with “activities of daily living” (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, eating, or getting in and out of bed.
The Reality: Standard health insurance and even Medicare are designed to get you healthy and back on your feet. They are not designed to provide ongoing, daily assistance for chronic conditions or the natural frailty that comes with age.
“Wait and See” is NOT a Strategy
Many Americans assume they can just buy a policy once they start needing help. However, Long-Term Care insurance is one of the few products you must buy while you are still healthy.
- Underwriting is Strict: Unlike the ACA (Marketplace) plans, LTC insurers can deny you based on your health history. If you wait until you have a diagnosis like Parkinson’s or early-onset memory loss, it is often too late to get coverage.
- Employer Plans Fall Short: While some employers offer “Short-Term Disability,” this only replaces your income for a few months—it doesn’t pay for a home health aide or an assisted living facility.
The Indiana Financial Impact
In Indiana, the cost of care is rising faster than general inflation. According to 2026 Indiana cost data, you can expect to pay:
- $25+ per hour for a home health aide in the Indianapolis area.
- $5,000 per month for a one-bedroom assisted living apartment.
- $110,000 per year for a private room in a nursing home.
The KSS Approach: A Plan for Every Stage
You don’t have to be a senior to start this conversation. In fact, the most affordable way to secure your future is to look at your options in your 50s. Whether it is a traditional LTC policy or a “hybrid” plan that combines life insurance with care benefits, we help you find a way to protect your savings and your family.
Don’t wait to find out what your insurance doesn’t cover. Call Steve Boone at 317-225-4644 or Karl Downey at 317-954-5853. Or learn more at kssinsurance.com/long-term-care-plan/