Dealing With the Rising Price of Health Care?

July 30, 2020

See How Immediate Annuities Can Help With Medicaid Planning

Outliving our savings and income in retirement is a big concern. Many retirees live comfortably only to face a sudden financial burden of how to pay for long-term care. The cost of care in a nursing home for just a few months, for example, can be financially devastating.

As you talk to clients about planning for health care costs in retirement, consider using immediate annuities. They’re often a good tool to use for part of Medicaid planning.

How they can help:

Immediate annuities can help an ill spouse qualify for Medicaid eligibility to pay for long-term care. Although regulations vary from state to state, assets placed within a Medicaid-compliant immediate annuity are considered income. This means they no longer count as available assets when qualifying for Medicaid assistance.
The annuity funds can provide a healthy spouse with sufficient income and resources to maintain a current lifestyle.
Single individuals can also use immediate annuities in their Medicaid planning.

In all Medicaid planning scenarios, work with a qualified elder care attorney. Availability and eligibility vary by state.

Use This Sales Idea With Clients

Sales Concept Flyer
Generic

Fillable Flyer
Download and Enter Your Contact Information

Annuities are not (a) insured by the FDIC or any federal government agency, (b) deposits of or guaranteed by any bank or credit union and (c) a provision or condition of any bank or credit union activity. Some annuities are subject to investment risk and may lose value. A surrender charge may apply during the surrender period, and a 10% penalty may apply to withdrawals prior to age 59½.

Category:

Sales Ideas

«Little Things, Big Difference
Stay Current on Product Training»

Confidence and Compassion

A Note from Greg Ness, Chairman, President and CEO

At The Standard, we’ve been helping people achieve financial well-being and peace of mind since 1906. As the global health crisis continues to disrupt lives, communities and the economy, I am confident we’ll continue helping people when they need us the most. Our company has been through hard times and market volatility before and we will navigate through this challenge as well. As our customers face tremendous stress and uncertainty, we will continue providing support and stability to those who rely on our products and services.

This pandemic is tough on everyone. Our communities are hurting, our families and friends are distressed and some of our most vulnerable neighbors are at risk.

The crisis and the way we collectively respond to it will define a generation. We are rising to the challenge. I know every single employee at our company — along with staying focused on keeping our business running and serving our customers — is looking for ways to make a difference for those most affected by this pandemic. That’s proving true in businesses and homes across the community, the country and around the world.

Part of the tragedy of this disease is that even as we come together to help those most in need, the unique nature of COVID-19 is forcing us apart. We all understand the importance of —social distancing— to slow the spread, but we should remember that’s just physical distancing. I encourage you to find ways to safely connect with those in your neighborhood who may require extra help and with groups in your community that are making a difference and support them however you can. And now is the perfect time to reach out to friends and others and just check in.

To our health care providers, first responders and everyone selflessly setting aside their own fears and concerns to help others during this time — thank you hardly seems enough. These people are true heroes. This crisis reinforces how reliant we are on the many essential services we too often take for granted. We are grateful to so many for continuing to show up with focus and commitment.

We will get through this, especially if we are sustained by the examples of those who make us the proudest right now — family, friends, neighbors and colleagues working together — rather than allowing our fears to guide us. No matter how unsettled we may feel, remember we are not alone. There are so many people in this world trying their level best to help others. And I am certain we will get through this — together.

In times of crisis, we are defined by how we react. Let’s continue to be defined by compassion.

And to our customers, thank you for putting your trust in The Standard. What we sell is a promise to be there when you need us, and that promise is unwavering.

Be safe and well, and stay connected.

Greg Ness

Leaving Standard.com

You are leaving Standard.com to visit SIMON, Raymond James’s partner for Annuities product training.

Cancel Continue to SIMON

Leaving Standard.com

You are leaving Standard.com to visit a website hosted by Ameritas, our partner for dental and vision coverage.

Cancel Continue to Ameritas

Leaving Standard.com

You are leaving Standard.com to visit a website hosted by VSP.com. The Standard uses VSP as its partner vision coverage.

Cancel Continue to the VSP site

Leaving Standard.com

You are leaving Standard.com to visit a website hosted by EyeMedVisionCare.com. The Standard uses Eye Med Vision Care as its partner vision coverage.

Cancel Continue to the EyeMed site

Jared's Story: Time for Family
Age: 36 - Occupation: pediatrician - Married, one child

How the Family Care Benefit provided the ability to care for a loved one
Jared's daughter was born with a heart defect. They visited multiple specialists to diagnose the condition and determine the appropriate treatment. Then his daughter underwent surgeries, hospital stays and months of follow-up appointments. Benefits from Jared’s Platinum Advantage policy helped make up for the income lost when Jared spent time away from work to attend physician appointments and to be with his daughter in the hospital and throughout her extended recovery — providing peace of mind during a trying time.

Jody's Story:
Supportive Office Equipment
Age: 42 - Occupation: accountant - Married, no children

Assistance on the road to recovery through a rehabilitation program
Jody's role as an accountant at a small firm requires a lot of computer work. After sustaining a serious back injury from a car accident, Jody was totally disabled under her Platinum Advantage policy. Jody’s doctor recommended she purchase assistive equipment to help her work comfortably at her desk without aggravating her condition. She was able to return to work full time after participating in a rehabilitation program in which expenses for a sitstand desk and other ergonomic accommodations were paid for under her Platinum Advantage policy. These modifications helped ensure she could return to work safely, without hindering her recovery.

David's Story: Starting a Medical Career
Age: 33 - Occupation: dermatology physician - Single, no children

Benefits that match career growth through the Benefit Increase Rider
David is completing his dermatology residency and just accepted an offer at a private practice. Before the end of his residency, he purchased a Platinum Advantage policy that included the Benefit Increase Rider, knowing his income will rise significantly after he starts his first post-residency job. The benefit also will allow his policy to grow with him as he progresses in his career and receives additional salary increases. David values the fact that his coverage going forward will match his developing career.

Jason's Story: Accidents Happen
Age: 35 • Occupation: orthopedic surgeon • Married, two children

Finding work in a new occupation with the Own Occupation Rider
Jason injured his right hand in an accident and was unable to return to his job as an orthopedic surgeon because he couldn't perform surgery. Due to his medical training, he was able to return to work as a family medicine physician. Jason was considered totally disabled in his regular occupation as an orthopedic surgeon — even though he earns an income from another occupation as a family medicine physician — because of the own occupation definition of total disability included in his Platinum Advantage policy. Because of this, he receives the policy's full basic monthly benefit, in addition to the income he receives in his new position.