RELEASE ON RECEIPT - March 9, 2006

Long Term Care Insurance More Attractive for California Residents Thanks to New Law; Free Call-in Service from Felton-based Specialist Tells Who Can Benefit and How

Barbara Hanson of LTC Financial Partners, Felton, Offers By-phone Information and Advice

Felton, CA, March 9 -- The Deficit Reduction Act, signed into law by President Bush on February 8, "promises to encourage millions of Americans to buy long term care insurance," says Barbara Hanson, Partner of LTC Financial Partners, the nation's most experienced long term care insurance brokerage. But she cautions, "The legislation is a mine field of complexity that will vary from state to state as local programs roll out. The consumer needs help from experts to know if they can benefit and how."

A source of help is an answer service offered by Hanson's organization. Consumers may request by-phone Q&A sessions with Hanson or an associate. "In as little as four minutes you can learn whether the new law can really help you," says Hanson. "Within ten minutes you can know the best long term care strategy for your situation, in terms of asset protection and lifestyle, regardless of the new law," she adds. "Then, if desired, you can request specific policy recommendations and quotes, which take longer."

The free Q&A sessions may be requested by calling 831-335-4949.

The federal legislation promotes long term care insurance in carrot-and-stick fashion. The stick makes it harder for the middle class to rely on Medicaid for their care expenses. For example, the lookback period for asset transfers has been extended from three years to five; and people with substantial home equities will no longer be eligible for Medicaid. The carrot in the law opens the Medicaid purse strings conditionally, as a reward for protecting oneself. Buy a state-approved long term care policy, and Medicaid could offer backup protection (with several qualifications). Other rewards, such as tax deductions, will vary according to evolving state legislation.

The carrot-stick system is referred to as the "partnership program." Such programs have proved successful in California, Connecticut, Indiana, and New York. The Deficit Reduction Act expands availability to all states and the District of Columbia. Gradual roll-out legislation is expected from most state legislatures, with levels of implementation to be determined on a state-by-state basis. To investigate coverage in California within the new legal framework, Hanson advises talking with a long term care specialist who is --

Since the Deficit Reduction Act fights Medicaid abuse and promises to tame out-of-control state budgets, aggressive implementation is anticipated. "It's win-win for the public as well as the public purse," says Hanson.

For seven years, Barbara Hanson served as activity director in several private nursing homes and a county mental hospital. This experience motivated her to help people prepare for a better life as they age. She is committed to community outreach and education on the need to plan for long-term care needs. As a public education service, she makes herself available to area groups, companies, and financial professionals for briefing sessions, after-dinner talks, lectures, and media interviews. She explains how long-term care insurance (LTCi) can supply the funds and options one may need to avoid exhausting one's savings in the future. Hanson also assists estate planners, financial advisors, attorneys and accountants in addressing their clients’ LTCi concerns. She has helped over 1000 families protect their estates from financial devastation, and was honored as a leading agent by the nation’s largest long-term care insurance carrier, General Electric Capital. She is now a Partner with LTC Financial Partners, LLC. In 2004 and 2005, she received the National LTCi Sales Achievement Award, which recognizes America's top 100 agents.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Barbara Hanson of LTC Financial Partners - 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

LTC Financial Partners LLC - Felton, CA

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Photo of Barbara Hanson: