Long-Term Care Insurance Blog
Practical, plain-English articles on long-term care coverage, costs, and planning — published twice a month by George A. Mellendorf, CLTC, President of Central States Insurance Services, Inc.
Same Coverage, Different Price: Why LTC Insurance Quotes Vary
Two long-term care policies with nearly the same benefits can carry very different prices. Here's why quotes vary, and how to compare them side by side.
By George A. Mellendorf, CLTC · President, Central States Insurance Services, Inc.
What Long-Term Care Insurance Costs a Couple at 55, and at 65
In 2026, a couple both 55 paid about $5,010 a year combined for $165,000 in initial benefits each. Here's what drives that price, and what changes if you wait until 65.
By George A. Mellendorf, CLTC · President, Central States Insurance Services, Inc.
Long-Term Care Awareness Month: When There's No Plan, Family Becomes the Plan
November is Long-Term Care Awareness Month, and National Family Caregivers Month. When there's no plan, family usually becomes the plan. Here's how to start one.
By George A. Mellendorf, CLTC · President, Central States Insurance Services, Inc.
National Family Caregivers Month: What Every Family Caregiver Should Know About Getting Paid or Getting Help
November is National Family Caregivers Month. If you're caring for a parent or spouse, there may be money and help available that you haven't tapped yet.
By George A. Mellendorf, CLTC · President, Central States Insurance Services, Inc.
Florida Nursing Home Costs: $146,000 a Year and Rising
In Florida, a private nursing home room now runs a median of $146,000 a year. Here's how that compares nationally, how long savings last, and what it means for your plan.
By George A. Mellendorf, CLTC · President, Central States Insurance Services, Inc.
Medicare's 100 Days in 2026: What You Pay, and What Comes After
Medicare may cover up to 100 days of skilled nursing in 2026, at $217 a day after day 20. Here's what it costs, what it never covers, and how insurance fills the gap.
By George A. Mellendorf, CLTC · President, Central States Insurance Services, Inc.
Three Ways Insurance Can Pay for Long-Term Care
Medicare won't pay for most long-term care. Here's how traditional, hybrid life/LTC and annuity-based coverage work, and who each one tends to fit.
By George A. Mellendorf, CLTC · President, Central States Insurance Services, Inc.
Medi-Cal's Asset Limit Is Back: What California Families Need to Know Before July 2027
For two years, Medi-Cal didn't count savings. That changed January 1, 2026, and a much lower limit arrives July 1, 2027.
By George A. Mellendorf, CLTC · President, Central States Insurance Services, Inc.
Long-Term Care Insurance in 2026: What's Changed and What It Means for Your Plan
New pricing data, a wider SECURE 2.0 tax break, and record nursing-home costs all moved in 2026 — here's what actually affects a family deciding whether, and how, to fund long-term care.
By George A. Mellendorf, CLTC · President, Central States Insurance Services, Inc.
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