Question 1

What kinds of clients do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We work with individuals, families, retirees, and business owners who want guidance on long term care, retirement income, Medicare, life insurance, and Social Security decisions.

Question 2

Can you help if I was declined for traditional long term care insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A major focus of our practice is helping people explore alternative long term care strategies when traditional coverage is not available or may not be the best fit.

Question 3

Do you only work with clients in Dallas?

Accepted Answer

No. We are based in Dallas but serve clients throughout Texas and in other states where we are licensed.

Question 4

How do consultations take place?

Accepted Answer

Consultations can be completed by phone or video conference, which makes it easy to review your options from home.

Question 5

What makes your approach different?

Accepted Answer

We take an educational and consultative approach. Our goal is to help you understand the tradeoffs and potential benefits before you make an important decision.

Question 6

Do you help with retirement income planning?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We help clients evaluate fixed and fixed indexed annuities, including strategies with lifetime income riders, to create more predictable retirement income.

Question 7

Can you help with Medicare choices?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We assist clients in comparing Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and prescription drug plan options based on their personal situation.

Question 8

Do you provide Social Security claiming guidance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Kenneth Jilek is a Registered Social Security Analyst, and we help clients understand how Social Security decisions may fit into a broader retirement plan.

Question 9

How can a guaranteed-issue long-term care rider help with planning?

Accepted Answer

EquiTrust Bridge® is a fixed index annuity with a Long-Term Care Rider, not traditional stand-alone long term care insurance. Current EquiTrust Bridge materials state that clients who pass the applicable annuity suitability requirements are approved for Bridge LTC benefits. This statement applies to Bridge LTC benefits only and does not mean a person has qualified for traditional LTC insurance. Bridge uses optional underwriting: a client may bypass it and receive the Secure underwriting class, which is not a decline. Participating in underwriting may result in Standard or Preferred classes, which may provide greater LTC benefit leverage than Secure. Product availability, eligibility, benefits, and terms are subject to the current contract and carrier requirements.

Question 10

Does living in a care facility or receiving home care affect the rate class?

Accepted Answer

One health question asks whether you currently live in, or have been advised to enter, a nursing home or assisted living facility, or whether you receive home health care or adult day care. Independent senior living without assistance for activities of daily living is generally a “no.” A “yes” does not create a denial, but it can place an applicant in the Secure rate class.

Question 11

What activities of daily living are considered in the health questions?

Accepted Answer

The pre-screening asks whether you need help or supervision with bathing, dressing, eating, walking, transferring, toileting, or continence. These are commonly called activities of daily living, or ADLs. Answering “yes” does not prevent approval, but it can affect the rate class and the long-term care benefit available per dollar invested.

Question 12

How do Bridge health questions affect the LTC benefit class?

Accepted Answer

For EquiTrust Bridge®, a fixed index annuity with a Long-Term Care Rider, health information may be considered in optional underwriting for the Bridge LTC benefit class. These are not traditional LTC insurance knockout questions. A health answer that affects the class does not automatically mean the client receives no Bridge LTC benefits, provided the applicable annuity suitability requirements are met. A client may bypass optional underwriting and receive the Secure class, which is not a decline. Optional underwriting may result in Standard or Preferred classes, which may provide greater LTC benefit leverage. Current contract terms and carrier requirements control.

Question 13

Does using medical equipment affect the long-term care rider rate class?

Accepted Answer

One question asks about use of a wheelchair, scooter, stair lift, Hoyer lift, or respirator. A “yes” answer does not result in a denial because approval is guaranteed. It can, however, place an applicant in the Secure rate class, which provides a lower long-term care benefit per dollar invested than higher rate classes.

Question 14

How can health history affect the Bridge LTC benefit class?

Accepted Answer

For EquiTrust Bridge®, a fixed index annuity with a Long-Term Care Rider, health history may be considered in optional underwriting and may affect the Bridge LTC benefit class and potential benefit leverage. It does not automatically determine whether Bridge LTC benefits are available when the applicable annuity suitability requirements are met. The current Bridge process and contract terms control, so a licensed professional can help explain the applicable questions without treating them as traditional LTC insurance decline rules.

Question 15

Does receiving Social Security Disability Insurance affect the rate class?

Accepted Answer

One of the five initial health questions asks whether you have received Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, within the past five years. The answer is used to determine rate class. It does not cause a denial, because approval is guaranteed, but it may affect the long-term care benefit available per dollar invested.

Question 16

What happens after the initial health questions?

Accepted Answer

Applicants seeking a higher rate class after answering “no” to the first three questions may continue with a live video assessment of about 30 minutes. Your advisor can also explain how rate class, coverage ratios, long-term care benefits, and a possible 1035 exchange may apply to your situation. Product features, availability, and eligibility can vary, so review the current materials before making a decision.

Long Term Care Insurance With COPD in Texas

Can You Get Long Term Care Insurance With COPD?

Why COPD Matters in LTC Insurance Underwriting

Severity, Oxygen Use, and Hospitalizations

COPD, Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, and Smoking History

COPD and Activities of Daily Living

COPD Plus Heart Disease or Other Conditions

What If Traditional Long Term Care Insurance Is Not Available?

Could an Asset-Based or Annuity-Based Strategy Be Worth Reviewing?

Questions to Consider Before Seeking LTC Coverage With COPD

Long Term Care Insurance With COPD FAQs

Does COPD automatically disqualify someone?

Does oxygen use automatically disqualify someone?

Can someone with emphysema or chronic bronchitis get LTC insurance?

What if traditional LTC is unavailable?

Review Your Long Term Care Planning Options With COPD

Explore Your Options With Confidence