Long Term Care and Disability Insurance

November is Long Term Care Awareness Month

Presented by Tim Dreher The month of November is Long Term Care Awareness month and as we move into the holiday season, now may be an opportune time to begin that LTC conversation that you’ve been putting off with your clients! This is a time of the year when many families gather together to celebrate the season so what better time to encourage your clients and their families (especially your client’s children) to have “the talk”. Industry studies have shown that only about 10% of consumers have had a conversation with their parents or in-laws regarding long term care. Tell them not to wait until it’s too late just because it is a somewhat uncomfortable conversation to have. Most parents don’t like the idea of needing help from their children when they have spent their entire adult lives raising and taking care of their kids. That possible role reversal can be very difficult for a parent to accept. Although the conversation may be difficult, it could also be one of the most important conversations spouses could have with each other, children could have with their parents, and you as their advisor could have with them. That’s where you, as the agent and advisor, come in. Remind them that they need to talk about not only how and where they would like to receive care, but also, and just as important, who is going to provide that care, and most importantly, how will it be paid for. By doing so, they are preserving the legacy they have worked so hard to protect. Having a plan in place should a long term care event occur goes a long way to alleviate much of the worry that can come with an uncertain future. There is a great amount of misinformation and misunderstanding regarding available long term care services and it’s your job to be there for them as a source of correct information and advice. The time to discuss, prepare and plan with your clients is now, not waiting until a long term care event arises and a family is forced to make many decisions that could be very costly. Take this holiday season to have the “talk” with your clients so they in turn can have an informed discussion with their family. Both you and your client will be glad the conversation happened.
Life Insurance

Life Insurance Awareness Month

Presented by Jim Linn September 1, 2015, does not just mark the start of a new month.  It kicks off Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM).  Each year the LifeHappens.org foundation presents a new spokesperson and featured articles you can use with your clients and prospects.  Below is a link to a short video by Anthony Anderson, this year’s spokesperson.  Additional marketing materials and videos are available on their website.  https://www.lifehappens.org/industry-resources/agent/awareness-campaigns/life-insurance-awareness-month/spokesperson/
Long Term Care and Disability Insurance

Emphasizing Disability Income Awareness is more than just One…

Presented by Leonard Berthelsen May is designated as Disability Income Awareness month and much of the focus is given to presenting, selling and educating clients during the month.  Let’s take that sharp focus from May and extend it throughout the year. Your client’s need for protection is there throughout the year, not just in a one month ad campaign.  Sickness and accidents aren’t just confined to one month but are present all year long. Disability Income protection should be at the forefront of every discussion with our clients to talk about their exposure and how you can reduce the risk.  Why, because all the other “stuff” that we talk about, sell or convince a client to buy becomes secondary if they can’t afford to continue paying the premiums when they become disabled. We write many times in these blogs about theory and process but rarely about how the personal side of things affects our loved ones.  Let me share a quick story with you about one of those personal issues. A 37 year old man was having lunch with his 3 year old daughter at her daycare when he became flushed and dizzy.  Making it through the lunch he returned to his car with the air conditioner on to cool off.  A passer-by tapped on his car window to see if he was okay, he had passed out. This 37 year old man had just suffered a stroke.  The quick and smart thinking of a passer-by probably saved his life.  In intensive care, he was informed that most likely he had a small clot that entered his brain.  With medication and some intense physical and occupational therapy, he will gain full control of his arm once again.  Who would be concerned of this happening at this age?  We never know when, where or why, but disabilities happen all the time to all kinds of people. Having the right protection can and will make all the difference in the world.  Just make sure that your clients are protected. Oh, by the way, this 37 year old man is my son.  Yes, he did have Disability Income Protection!