RELEASE ON RECEIPT - August 24, 2006

How to Pick a Long Term Care Insurance Agent

Six Questions to Identify a Real Pro, from Felton-based LTC Expert, Barbara Hanson

Felton, CA, August 24 - People seeking long term care insurance should buy it through an independent agent. That's what most experts advise. But there's a problem. "How do you find the right agent?" says Barbara Hanson, Felton-based Partner of LTC Financial Partners, the nation's most experienced long term care insurance brokerage.

"Consumers get frustrated real fast," she says. "State agencies refer them to carriers, not agents. If consumers look in the yellow pages or do an Internet search, they come up with a grab bag of agents. But how good are they?"

To help consumers determine if an agent is solid and right for them, Hanson suggests asking the following five questions:

1. What insurance products do you offer besides LTC insurance?

"The best answer is zero," says Hanson. "The aim of this question is to find out if the person's a specialist, selling only or mainly long term care insurance. You don't want someone who divides their attention between LTC, auto and life."

2. What insurance carriers do you represent?

"If the agent mentions just one carrier, that's not good," says Hanson. "You want someone who offers a choice among six to a dozen A-rated companies that offer a range of solid, affordable policies."

3. I know insurance agents get paid by commission. Do you get higher rates on some policies?

"The best answer is an unequivocal no," says Hanson. "There's a new industry procedure for equalizing commission income. The best agents make use of it, so they get the same commission rate no matter what policy you buy. You don't want someone who's tempted to push a high-profit item."

4. About how many LTC clients do you have?

"If the agent hedges, find someone else," says Hanson. "A seasoned specialist will have dozens to hundreds of satisfied clients."

5. I understand there are tax breaks and other financial ramifications to long term care insurance. Can you advise me on such things?

"A qualified yes is the best answer here," says Hanson. "Well-informed agents know about the relevant regulations, but don't stray into tax law or estate planning details. Instead, they work with knowledgeable financial advisors, accountants, estate planners, and attorneys."

6. How can I learn more about you?

"If the answer is, 'I'll put a brochure in the mail,' or 'I'll drop by,' look out," says Hanson. "The aim of this question is to find evidence of recognized authority. Can they name local professionals who recommend them? Have they been written up in the newspaper? Are they scheduled to speak at an upcoming event? Do they give talks to groups or companies on request? Can they be found on the Internet?"

Hanson will recommend agents that meet the above criteria, in California and other parts of the country. "There are over 200 impartial, really qualified people," says she, who may be reached at 831-335-4949. Hanson personally works with selected individuals and organizations.

Barbara Hanson has specialized in long term care insurance since 1995 and earned the respected status of Master Agent Emeritus from one of the largest long term care insurance carriers in the industry. Today, as an independent agent representing all major carriers, she is ideally positioned to help individuals, families, and businesses design customized long term care strategies to fit their budget. She has served her community as an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and is a major supporter of her local Alzheimer’s Association. Having had extensive personal experience with long term care in her previous career as an activity director in long term care facilities as well as in her own family, Hanson understands the challenges people face when a friend or family member needs help to stay home safely.

She has helped over 1,000 families plan for the potentially devastating financial risk associated with long term health care problems. Barbara shares her expertise through public seminars, guest media appearances, corporate education, and individual consultations.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Barbara Hanson of LTC Financial Partners, Felton, CA - 831-335-4949 - www.eranova.com/LTCFP-BarbaraHanson
Jonas Roeser of LTC Financial Partners - 425-284-4863
Dick Samson of EraNova Institute for LTC Financial Partners - 973-335-3699 – media@eranova.com

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Photo of Barbara Hanson: