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LTC Insurance Can Be a Win-Win

A properly structured hybrid LTC policy produces a favorable outcome in every scenario — whether care is needed or not. Here is the math, scenario by scenario.

Figures below are based on a policy illustration for a couple aged 50. Individual results will vary based on age, health, and policy design.

The Baseline Policy

To illustrate the win-win structure, consider this policy for a couple both aged 50:

Baseline Policy — Couple, Age 50

Single-premium hybrid LTC policy
One-Time Premium
$234,048
Immediate Cash Surrender Value
$158,288
Monthly LTC Benefit (Joint)
$24,000

The $234,048 one-time premium is less than one year of Bay Area joint LTC care — which costs approximately $288,000 annually ($24,000/month × 12). One premium deposit funds a lifetime of coverage.

Four Scenarios — Every One a Winner

No matter what happens, this policy produces a positive outcome. Here are four possible futures:

1

Cancel the Next Day

Change your mind immediately after purchase and surrender the policy. You receive the immediate cash surrender value of $158,288 — no questions asked.

Amount Received$158,288
vs. Premium Paid$234,048

The policy functions as a liquid asset from day one. The surrender value grows over time — see Scenario 4.

2

Both Need Care — For Life (35 Years)

Both spouses require full LTC for the remainder of their lives — 35 years from age 50 to 85. The policy pays $24,000/month with no benefit cap for the entire duration.

Total Benefits Paid$10,080,000
Premium Paid$234,048
Return on Premium43×

$24,000/month × 12 months × 35 years = $10,080,000. All benefits received income-tax-free.

3

LTC Never Needed — Death Benefit Paid to Heirs

Both spouses stay healthy and never file an LTC claim. At death, the guaranteed death benefit is paid to your named beneficiaries — income-tax-free.

Death Benefit to Heirs$400,000
Premium Paid$234,048
Guaranteed Gain+$165,952

Even in the best-case health scenario, your heirs receive $165,952 more than the premium paid. The "wasted premium" objection is eliminated entirely.

4

Cancel at Age 85 — Take the Cash

At age 85, you decide to surrender the policy and take the accumulated cash surrender value instead.

Cash Surrender Value at 85$301,992
Premium Paid$234,048
Gain+$67,944

35 years of lifetime LTC coverage at no net cost — plus a $67,944 profit on surrender. The policy functioned as a growing liquid asset throughout.

"There is no losing outcome."

— Withbert W. Payne, CPA, CA, CGMA

Self-Insuring vs. the Policy: A Direct Comparison

Scenario Self-Insuring ($234K reserve) Hybrid LTC Policy
Cancel immediately $234,048 (unchanged) $158,288 surrender value
35 years of care needed Reserve depleted in <1 year; then out-of-pocket $10,080,000 paid — lifetime
Care never needed $234,048 stays in estate (taxable) $400,000 to heirs — tax-free
Surrender at age 85 $234,048 (no growth assumed) $301,992 (+$67,944)

In every scenario, the hybrid policy matches or outperforms the self-insurance reserve — and in the care-needed scenario, it is not even close.

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See these four scenarios calculated for your specific age, premium level, and health profile — on a single page. Complimentary, no obligation.

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Disclaimer: All figures shown on this page are drawn from a policy illustration for a couple both aged 50 at time of application. Policy figures including premium, cash surrender values, monthly LTC benefits, death benefit, and scenario outcomes are illustrative and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results will vary based on age, health, carrier underwriting, premium amount, and policy design at time of application. LTC benefits are generally received income-tax-free under current IRC provisions; tax laws are subject to change. Death benefit tax treatment depends on policy ownership structure and individual circumstances. The self-insurance comparison assumes no investment return on the reserve; actual returns will vary. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or solicitation to sell insurance. This is a solicitation for insurance.

There Is No Losing Outcome

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