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In-Home Care Benefits: What Long-Term Care Policies Actually Cover at Home

Adult daughter and her aging mother sharing a warm moment while discussing long-term care planning

Ask clients where they’d want to receive care, and almost all say home. Many picture long-term care insurance as paying only for a nursing facility. In fact, most policies can pay full benefits for care at home.

Key takeaways

  • Most long-term care is provided at home, much of it by family.
  • Many policies pay up to 100% of the benefit for home care.
  • Highlighting home care benefits addresses clients’ strongest wish: to stay independent in familiar surroundings.

Most clients want to stay home if they need care. Most policies are designed to let them.

Ask where they’d want care

It’s the simplest question in the LTC conversation, and it almost always leads to home. Clients find it hard to imagine leaving their house for help with bathing, dressing, or eating.

What home care benefits typically include

  • Home health aides and personal care (bathing, dressing, eating)
  • Homemaker services such as meals, laundry, and light housekeeping
  • Skilled nursing and therapy at home
  • Adult day care
  • Respite care to give family caregivers a break
  • Care coordination, and in many policies, home modifications and caregiver training

Benefit levels vary; many policies pay up to 100% of the daily or monthly benefit for home care.

Make it part of every presentation

Point out the home care benefits built into the plan. It shows you listened and appeals to the client’s desire for independence. For costs, see home health care costs; for a real example, see long-term care isn’t just for nursing homes.

Frequently asked questions

Does long-term care insurance pay for home care?

Yes. Most policies cover home care, often up to 100% of the benefit amount.

What home care services does LTC insurance cover?

Typically personal care, homemaker services, home health care, adult day care, respite care, and care coordination.

Can long-term care insurance pay for home modifications?

Many policies include benefits for modifications such as ramps and grab bars.

50+ Years in Business60+ Top-Rated Carriers★★★★★ Rated by Advisors

Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-25

Tim Fuller, President of SRS Inc.

Tim Fuller

President, SRS Inc.

Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.

Connect on LinkedIn →

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Why Small Businesses Need Business Overhead Expense (BOE) Coverage

Professional working confidently at her desk, representing disability income protection

In many small businesses, the owner is the main source of revenue. If they become disabled, income stops but rent, utilities, payroll, and loan payments don’t. Business overhead expense (BOE) coverage keeps the doors open.

Key takeaways

  • BOE coverage reimburses the business’s fixed expenses, including employee salaries, while the owner is disabled.
  • Benefit periods are typically 12 to 24 months with a 30- or 60-day waiting period, keeping premiums affordable.
  • Some carriers offer BOE benefits up to $10,000 a month with no exam, labs, or tax returns.

If the owner can’t work, BOE coverage keeps paying the rent, the utilities, and the staff — so there’s still a business to come back to.

The risk to the business and its employees

Many small businesses are close-knit teams. If revenue stops while the owner recovers, employees may leave and the business may close. BOE protects both the business and the people who depend on it.

How BOE works

BOE reimburses covered fixed expenses, such as rent, utilities, leases, and employee salaries, while the owner is disabled. Premiums are generally tax-deductible as a business expense, and benefits are taxable to the business but offset by the deductible expenses they pay. Owners often need personal disability coverage as well.

Typical terms

  • Benefit periods of 12 to 24 months
  • Waiting periods of 30 or 60 days
  • Some carriers offer up to $10,000 a month with no exam, labs, or tax returns, and can issue within about 48 hours after a short application and phone interview

Special situations

Medical and dental practices have unique needs; see the salary replacement rider for physicians and dentists. BOE can also be paired with business loan protection.

Frequently asked questions

What does business overhead expense insurance cover?

Fixed business expenses such as rent, utilities, leases, and employee salaries while the owner is disabled.

Are BOE premiums tax deductible?

Generally yes, as a business expense. Benefits are taxable but offset by the deductible expenses they reimburse.

How long does BOE coverage pay?

Typically 12 to 24 months.

50+ Years in Business60+ Top-Rated Carriers★★★★★ Rated by Advisors

Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-25

Tim Fuller, President of SRS Inc.

Tim Fuller

President, SRS Inc.

Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.

Connect on LinkedIn →

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Financial Underwriting: Helping Clients Understand Why Carriers Ask for Proof

Happy family of four laughing together on the couch, representing life insurance protection

Clients are often surprised, and sometimes irritated, when a carrier asks for financial details before approving a larger life insurance policy. A quick explanation of why those requests exist can set expectations, reduce friction and keep the case moving.

Key takeaways

  • Life insurance is unlike most purchases: the carrier’s potential obligation is many times the premium it collects.
  • Financial underwriting keeps coverage in line with a genuine economic need so the insured isn’t worth more dead than alive.
  • Preparing clients up front and responding quickly to requests are the best ways to avoid delays.

A carrier isn’t selling radishes. Once a policy is issued, it may owe a benefit many times greater than the premium it collects.

Why life insurance isn’t like other purchases

Clients sometimes assume a carrier should sell as much coverage as they want, the way a store will sell its whole inventory. The difference is what happens after the sale. When a policy goes into force, the client only has a non-binding obligation to keep paying premiums, while the carrier is committed to a death benefit that can be hundreds or thousands of times larger than a year’s premium. That imbalance is especially sharp with low-cost term coverage.

What financial underwriting protects against

Insurance pools work only if carriers underwrite correctly. Part of that is not issuing more coverage than a person’s financial situation supports. Overinsurance can create a motive that increases risk. So carriers ask why the coverage is needed and whether the amount fits the client’s income, net worth and obligations. For guidelines on typical limits, see our post on financial underwriting and income multiples.

Setting client expectations

People share financial information for mortgages, car loans and credit cards all the time. Life insurance is no different. Let clients know early that they may be asked for:

  • A financial supplement or questionnaire
  • Income verification or tax returns for larger amounts
  • A statement from a CPA or other third-party advisor on very large cases
  • Business financials for key person or buy-sell coverage

Resistance usually just delays the case and can raise questions for the underwriter.

How SRS helps

Our Underwriting Team will flag likely financial requirements up front, estimate how much coverage carriers are likely to allow and help you work through justification issues if they come up. Contact us before you submit your next large case.

Frequently asked questions

Why do life insurance companies ask for financial information?

Carriers need to confirm the amount of coverage is justified by the applicant’s income, net worth and obligations. This keeps coverage tied to a real economic need and supports sound underwriting.

What documents may be required for financial underwriting?

Depending on the amount, carriers may ask for a financial supplement, tax returns, income verification, business financial statements or a letter from a CPA or other advisor.

How can advisors avoid delays in financial underwriting?

Tell clients early what may be requested, gather documents before submission, and respond quickly to underwriter requests. Working with your BGA to anticipate requirements also helps.

50+ Years in Business60+ Top-Rated Carriers★★★★★ Rated by Advisors

Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-26

Tim Fuller, President of SRS Inc.

Tim Fuller

President, SRS Inc.

Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.

Connect on LinkedIn →

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Indexed UL Loan Options: Fixed vs. Variable Loans for Retirement Income

Happy family of four laughing together on the couch, representing life insurance protection

Indexed universal life gets a lot of attention for how it accumulates cash value. How that value is taken out matters just as much. Understanding the loan options inside an IUL helps advisors set realistic expectations and choose the approach that fits the client.

Key takeaways

  • Most IUL policies offer fixed loans, variable (indexed) loans, or both.
  • Fixed loans have a known interest rate, and many policies offer wash or zero-net-cost loans after a set number of years.
  • Variable loans can create positive arbitrage when crediting exceeds the loan rate, but negative arbitrage can quickly erode income.

An illustration showing positive loan arbitrage looks great, until crediting falls below the loan rate and income has to shrink.

Accumulation is only half the story

IUL credits interest based on the performance of a chosen index, subject to caps or participation rates, with a floor that protects against losses from negative index years. That makes for a strong accumulation story. But most clients buying IUL for supplemental income will eventually take policy loans, and the loan type they choose can change results significantly. For background on the strategy, see IUL as a supplemental retirement strategy.

Fixed loans

With a fixed loan, the policy charges a stated interest rate on the outstanding balance, and the loaned amount is typically moved out of the index account. The cost is predictable. Many products also offer a preferred or wash loan after a certain number of policy years, where the rate charged equals the rate credited on the loaned value, for a net cost at or near zero.

Variable (indexed) loans

With a variable loan, the loaned value stays in the index account and continues to earn index credits, while loan interest accrues at a variable rate. When index credits exceed the loan rate, the client benefits from positive arbitrage, and illustrations can look very attractive.

The risk is negative arbitrage. In years when crediting is low or zero, loan interest still accrues, and the gap can compound. Income may need to be reduced to keep the policy from lapsing.

Choosing and explaining the right option

Either option can be appropriate depending on the client’s risk tolerance and whether they plan to pay loan interest as it accrues. What matters is that the client understands the trade-off before income starts. Choosing variable loans only because they illustrate better sets up a hard conversation later. Contact our Life Sales Team to compare loan provisions across carriers and illustrate conservatively.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between fixed and variable loans in IUL?

A fixed loan charges a stated interest rate and usually removes the loaned value from index crediting. A variable loan charges a variable rate while the loaned value keeps earning index credits, which can help or hurt depending on performance.

What is a wash loan in an IUL?

A wash or zero-net-cost loan is one where the interest charged equals the interest credited on the loaned value, often available after a set number of policy years.

What is negative arbitrage on an IUL loan?

It happens when the loan interest rate exceeds the rate credited to the policy. The shortfall can compound over time and reduce the income the policy can support.

50+ Years in Business60+ Top-Rated Carriers★★★★★ Rated by Advisors

Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-26

Tim Fuller, President of SRS Inc.

Tim Fuller

President, SRS Inc.

Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.

Connect on LinkedIn →

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Repositioning Idle Savings Into Linked-Benefit Long-Term Care Coverage

Active retired couple walking their dog on a coastal trail, representing retirement planning

Many clients have money sitting in savings accounts, money market funds or CDs that they think of as a safety net but never plan to spend. Repositioning part of those dollars into a linked-benefit life and long-term care policy can put that money to work against one of retirement’s biggest risks.

Key takeaways

  • Idle savings earmarked for ‘just in case’ can be repositioned to address a future long-term care need.
  • Linked-benefit policies can multiply a single premium into a larger death benefit and a larger pool of LTC benefits.
  • If care is never needed, heirs receive an income tax-free death benefit, and many policies offer a return-of-premium option.

Close to 70% of people turning 65 will need some form of long-term care, yet many are self-funding that risk with money sitting in savings.

Finding idle money

Ask clients about funds they hold for emergencies or “someday” that they don’t expect to use for living expenses. These dollars are often in low-yield accounts, and a portion may be earmarked, consciously or not, for health care costs later in life. With care costs rising (see our post on long-term care costs), that is exactly the risk a linked-benefit policy is designed to address.

How linked-benefit coverage works

A linked-benefit (asset-based) policy combines life insurance with long-term care benefits, often funded with a single premium or a short payment schedule. The premium buys:

  • A death benefit that is typically larger than the premium paid
  • A pool of long-term care benefits that can be a multiple of the premium, depending on age, gender, health and product design
  • Liquidity features, such as a return-of-premium provision on many products, so clients can get some or all of their premium back if they change their mind (terms vary by carrier)

For a deeper look at product designs, see our overview of asset-based long-term care.

Why clients like it

  • If they need care, qualified long-term care benefits are generally received income tax-free.
  • If they never need care, beneficiaries receive a generally income tax-free death benefit.
  • If they change their mind, return-of-premium options can provide an exit.

This “use it or pass it on” structure often resonates with clients who have been reluctant to buy traditional long-term care insurance.

Getting started

The leverage a client receives varies considerably by age, health, gender and carrier, so comparing products matters. Contact our long-term care specialists, and we’ll help you identify good candidates in your book and compare linked-benefit options across our carrier partners.

Frequently asked questions

What is a linked-benefit long-term care policy?

It is a life insurance or annuity policy with built-in long-term care benefits. The policy pays for qualified care if needed, and pays a death benefit to heirs if care isn’t needed or isn’t fully used.

Can I get my money back from a linked-benefit policy?

Many linked-benefit policies include a return-of-premium provision that lets the owner recover some or all of the premium. Terms vary by carrier and product, so check the specific policy.

Are linked-benefit LTC benefits taxable?

Qualified long-term care benefits are generally received income tax-free, and the death benefit is generally income tax-free to beneficiaries. Clients should confirm details with their tax advisor.

50+ Years in Business60+ Top-Rated Carriers★★★★★ Rated by Advisors

Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-26

Tim Fuller, President of SRS Inc.

Tim Fuller

President, SRS Inc.

Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.

Connect on LinkedIn →

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Critical Illness Insurance: The Financial Gap Clients Don’t See Coming

Advisor supporting a couple as they review living needs benefits paperwork together

A serious diagnosis like cancer or a heart attack often brings tens of thousands of dollars in costs that health insurance never touches. Critical illness insurance pays a lump sum at diagnosis, giving clients cash when they need it most. For advisors, it’s a simple, affordable conversation that many clients have never had.

Key takeaways

  • Deductibles, specialist care, travel and lost income can add up fast after a diagnosis, even with good health insurance.
  • Critical illness coverage pays a lump-sum benefit the client can use for anything, from medical bills to the mortgage.
  • Some carriers offer simplified applications with no exam, making CI an easy add-on to existing client reviews.

Think about the difference $30,000 could make to someone who has just been diagnosed with cancer or has survived a heart attack.

Why health insurance isn’t enough

Many middle-class families who face cancer, heart disease or another serious illness also end up facing significant debt. Even with health coverage in place, high deductibles, out-of-network specialists, newer treatments, travel to treatment centers and time away from work add up quickly.

Crowdfunding sites have become a common way for families to ask for help during a health crisis, but most medical campaigns fall well short of their goals. A 2018 Chicago Tribune report found only about one in ten reached its target. Hoping for the kindness of strangers is not a plan.

How critical illness insurance works

Critical illness (CI) insurance pays a lump-sum cash benefit when the insured is diagnosed with a covered condition, such as cancer, heart attack or stroke. The benefit is paid directly to the client, and they decide how to use it:

  • Deductibles, copays and out-of-network costs
  • Travel and lodging for treatment
  • Household bills while the client or a caregiving spouse is off work
  • Childcare, home help or other day-to-day costs

Because it pays at diagnosis, CI works well alongside disability coverage, which typically has a waiting period before benefits begin. For more on protecting a client’s paycheck, see our guide to explaining income protection to clients.

Which clients to call first

Start with clients who have a family history of cancer or heart disease, those on high-deductible health plans, and self-employed clients or business owners who lack strong group benefits. These clients usually understand the need as soon as you describe it.

Clients have told us for years that buying insurance feels too long and complicated. Some CI carriers now offer benefits up to $75,000 with no exam or interview, a short online application and a decision in as little as 48 hours. Program limits and availability vary by carrier and state, so confirm current details with us before quoting.

How SRS helps you add CI to your practice

You don’t need to become a specialist to offer critical illness coverage. Our team can walk you through the products, help you pick the right carrier for each client and support you through the simplified application process. Most advisors can be comfortable discussing CI after a short conversation with us.

Contact us to talk through a client situation or to get started.

Frequently asked questions

What does critical illness insurance cover?

It pays a lump-sum benefit when the insured is diagnosed with a covered condition such as cancer, heart attack or stroke. Covered conditions and definitions vary by policy, so review the contract for each carrier.

How is critical illness insurance different from health insurance?

Health insurance pays providers for medical care. Critical illness insurance pays cash directly to the client, who can use it for any expense, including bills that have nothing to do with medical care.

Do clients need a medical exam for critical illness coverage?

Not always. Some carriers offer simplified-issue CI up to certain benefit amounts with no exam, based on application answers and database checks. Limits vary by carrier and state.

50+ Years in Business60+ Top-Rated Carriers★★★★★ Rated by Advisors

Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-26

Tim Fuller, President of SRS Inc.

Tim Fuller

President, SRS Inc.

Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.

Connect on LinkedIn →

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Have a question about what you just read, or a case you’re working on? Tell us a bit about what you need, and a member of the SRS team will follow up with you personally — no obligation, no hassle.

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How to Use RMDs to Fund Life Insurance: Getting the Case Underwritten

Advisor and client reviewing an advanced markets estate planning strategy in a private office

Many retirees must take required minimum distributions they don’t actually need. Redirecting that money into life insurance can turn a taxable distribution into a larger, income-tax-free legacy for heirs. The concept is simple; the hard part is financial justification, and that’s where carrier choice matters.

Key takeaways

  • Using unneeded RMDs to pay life insurance premiums can leverage a taxable IRA distribution into a larger income-tax-free death benefit.
  • Because retirees usually have no earned income, carriers justify coverage with net worth formulas instead of income multiples.
  • Owning the policy in a trust can avoid probate, control distributions and add creditor protection even when there’s no estate tax concern.

Use the money the client must take but doesn’t need, and leverage it into a death benefit for the next generation.

Why the RMD-to-life concept resonates

Required minimum distributions generally begin at age 73. For clients whose pensions, Social Security and other assets already cover their living expenses, RMDs are often just a tax bill. Redirecting the after-tax amount to life insurance premiums can create a death benefit that is typically much larger than the RMDs used to fund it and passes to beneficiaries income-tax-free.

The idea has gained strength since the SECURE Act. Most non-spouse IRA heirs must now empty an inherited IRA within 10 years, which can push distributions into higher tax brackets. For more on that shift, see our article on IRAs and the SECURE Act.

The underwriting challenge: financial justification

A client in their 70s seldom has earned income, so coverage can’t be justified as income replacement. Often there’s no federal or state estate tax exposure either. That leaves underwriters asking why the coverage is needed and how much makes sense.

Carriers that are comfortable with this concept usually look at two things:

  1. Premium as a share of income. What percentage of the client’s annual income is going to premiums? A higher share may be acceptable when the file clearly shows living expenses are covered by what remains.
  2. Face amount formula. The death benefit is typically limited by a formula tied to assets. A common example: permissible coverage equals 50% of net worth attributable to investment assets, plus the fair market value of the residence, minus coverage already in force.

Formulas differ by carrier, which is why placing the case with the right carrier matters. Our guide to financial underwriting covers more of what underwriters look for.

Don’t overlook trust ownership

Because many of these policies are bought when no estate tax is expected, clients often skip trust ownership. That can be a missed opportunity:

  • A living trust keeps proceeds out of probate and allows distributions on a schedule that a simple beneficiary designation can’t provide.
  • An irrevocable trust can also protect the proceeds from creditors and keep them out of the taxable estate.

Encourage clients to review ownership with their attorney before the policy is issued.

How SRS can help

We know which carriers are comfortable with the RMD-to-life-premium concept and how they size coverage for retirees. Send us the client’s age, health overview, assets and RMD amount, and we’ll help you design the case and position it for underwriting. We also have marketing material to help you introduce the idea to clients.

Frequently asked questions

At what age do RMDs start?

For most people, required minimum distributions generally begin at age 73. Clients should confirm their own start date with their tax advisor.

How much life insurance can a retiree with no earned income buy?

Carriers usually use an asset-based formula rather than an income multiple. One common example is 50% of investment-related net worth plus the home’s value, minus existing coverage. Each carrier sets its own limits.

Is the death benefit taxable to heirs?

Life insurance death benefits are generally received income-tax-free by beneficiaries. Estate tax treatment depends on who owns the policy, which is one reason trust ownership is worth discussing.

50+ Years in Business60+ Top-Rated Carriers★★★★★ Rated by Advisors

Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-26

Tim Fuller, President of SRS Inc.

Tim Fuller

President, SRS Inc.

Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.

Connect on LinkedIn →

We’re Here to Help

Have a question about what you just read, or a case you’re working on? Tell us a bit about what you need, and a member of the SRS team will follow up with you personally — no obligation, no hassle.

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Indexed Universal Life Features: Guarantees, Crediting Strategies and LTC Riders

Happy family of four laughing together on the couch, representing life insurance protection

When markets are volatile, advisors look for life insurance that offers growth potential without direct market risk. Indexed universal life (IUL) combines a death benefit with index-linked interest credits and a floor that protects against losses. Here’s a practical look at the features that separate one IUL design from another.

Key takeaways

  • IUL credits interest based on index performance, subject to a cap, with a floor that protects cash value from market losses.
  • Some designs blend several indexes or use participation rates above 100%, so crediting details matter when comparing products.
  • Death benefit guarantees and optional long-term care riders make IUL a flexible fit for clients roughly 35 to 55.

The cap lets clients capture more interest in up markets, while the floor protects them when markets decline.

How IUL crediting works

An IUL is a fixed life insurance product. It does not invest directly in the stock market. Instead, interest is credited based on the movement of one or more market indexes, within limits:

  • Cap rate: the maximum interest the policy can be credited in a period.
  • Floor: the minimum credit, often 0%, so a down year doesn’t reduce cash value through negative returns.
  • Participation rate: the share of index gain used in the calculation. Some carriers offer rates above 100%, subject to the cap.

Caps and participation rates vary by carrier and can change over time, so always illustrate with current rates.

Blended and averaging strategies

Some IUL products use crediting strategies designed to smooth volatility. One carrier’s design, for example, blends the S&P 500, the NASDAQ-100 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average, weighting the best-performing index most heavily, and uses monthly averaging to help protect credits during choppy markets.

These strategies can help clients who value steadier results. The trade-off is usually a lower cap or a different participation structure, so compare them side by side.

Guarantees, underwriting and riders

Beyond crediting, look at the features that affect the whole planning picture:

  • Death benefit guarantees. Some policies offer a base no-lapse guarantee for a set period (for example, 20 years, often shorter for older issue ages) with an optional rider to extend it.
  • Underwriting options. Some carriers offer simplified or guaranteed issue for corporate-owned or corporate-sponsored cases.
  • Long-term care riders. Many IULs offer an LTC rider for an added cost. Names, terms and state availability vary. See our overview of the long-term care rider for how these work.

Which clients IUL fits best

IUL is often a good fit for clients who:

  • Want life insurance with guarantees plus growth potential
  • Prefer steadier accumulation during volatile markets
  • Need flexible death benefit options
  • Want to plan for possible long-term care costs
  • Are roughly 35 to 55 years old, with time for cash value to build

Contact us for help comparing carriers or designing an IUL case.

Frequently asked questions

Is indexed universal life a stock market investment?

No. IUL is a fixed life insurance product. Interest credits are based on index performance, but the policy does not directly participate in any stock or equity investment.

What is a participation rate in IUL?

It is the percentage of the index gain used to calculate the interest credit. A 140% rate, offered by some carriers, would credit 140% of the index return, still subject to the cap.

Can I add long-term care benefits to an IUL?

Many carriers offer an LTC or chronic illness rider for an additional cost. Terms, names and availability vary by carrier and state.

50+ Years in Business60+ Top-Rated Carriers★★★★★ Rated by Advisors

Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-26

Tim Fuller, President of SRS Inc.

Tim Fuller

President, SRS Inc.

Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.

Connect on LinkedIn →

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Have a question about what you just read, or a case you’re working on? Tell us a bit about what you need, and a member of the SRS team will follow up with you personally — no obligation, no hassle.

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Improving a Substandard Rating: Table D to Table B After Heart Valve Replacement

Underwriter reviewing medical and financial data with a client during risk assessment

A table rating isn’t always final. Carriers with crediting programs can improve substandard offers when the rest of the client’s profile is strong.

Key takeaways

  • Crediting programs can apply to substandard (table-rated) cases, not just Preferred classes.
  • A 31-year-old with a prior aortic valve replacement had excellent cholesterol, build, and blood pressure.
  • His rating improved from Table D to Table B, a significant premium reduction.

Initial assessment: Table D. With credits for favorable cholesterol, build, and blood pressure: Table B.

The case

  • 31-year-old male, non-tobacco, seeking universal life
  • Bicuspid aortic valve, replaced 12 years earlier
  • Cholesterol 139, ratio 4.0
  • 6’6”, 222 lbs (BMI 25.7)
  • Blood pressure 117/70

The result

The initial assessment was Table D. Applying the carrier’s crediting program for his favorable risk factors improved the offer to Table B.

Other ways to improve a rating

Frequently asked questions

Can a table rating be reduced?

Yes. Some carriers apply credits or table-reduction programs, and ratings can sometimes be reconsidered after issue.

Can you get life insurance after heart valve replacement?

Yes. Many clients qualify, often with a table rating that depends on the valve type, heart function, and time since surgery.

What is Table D in life insurance?

A substandard rating typically about 100% above standard premium, depending on the carrier’s table scale.

50+ Years in Business60+ Top-Rated Carriers★★★★★ Rated by Advisors

Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-25

Tim Fuller, President of SRS Inc.

Tim Fuller

President, SRS Inc.

Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.

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Home Health Care Costs and How Long-Term Care Policies Pay for Them

Adult daughter and her aging mother sharing a warm moment while discussing long-term care planning

Health care providers increasingly recognize what the long-term care industry has long known: helping people receive care at home is what they prefer, and it can cost less than facility care. But home care isn’t cheap.

Key takeaways

  • In 2025, in-home care cost a national median of $35 an hour, about $80,000 a year at 44 hours a week.
  • Around-the-clock home care can cost more than a nursing facility.
  • Modern LTC policies pay for home care plus care coordination, respite, homemaker services, caregiver training, and more.

Part-time home care is often more affordable than a facility. Round-the-clock home care can cost far more.

What home care costs

According to the CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey, the national median for in-home care was $35 an hour, or about $80,080 a year at 44 hours a week. Costs vary widely by location. Full-time or 24-hour care can exceed the roughly $129,600 annual median for a private nursing home room. See all 2025 cost figures.

Why home care is growing

Home-based care is widely seen as more humane and, for many needs, more affordable than institutional care. Most clients prefer it, and families feel more connected to the care.

How LTC policies pay

  • Home health aides and personal care
  • Care coordination services
  • Respite care so family caregivers can take a break
  • Homemaker services
  • Caregiver training
  • Funds for home modifications, medical alert systems, and durable medical equipment

These built-in benefits give families peace of mind, especially high-net-worth clients who want control over their care.

Frequently asked questions

How much does in-home care cost per hour?

The 2025 national median was $35 an hour, according to CareScout.

Is home care cheaper than a nursing home?

Part-time home care usually is. Full-time or 24-hour home care can cost more than a nursing home.

Does LTC insurance cover respite care?

Many policies include respite care benefits to give family caregivers a break.

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Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-25

Tim Fuller, President of SRS Inc.

Tim Fuller

President, SRS Inc.

Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.

Connect on LinkedIn →

We’re Here to Help

Have a question about what you just read, or a case you’re working on? Tell us a bit about what you need, and a member of the SRS team will follow up with you personally — no obligation, no hassle.

Name(Required)
Email(Required)
Please let us know what's on your mind. Have a question for us? Ask away.