FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: 
Diane Steeves, Partner
Diane Steeves & Associates
diane.steeves@ltcfp.net
503-297-7677

Evolving Tax Benefits Make Long-Term Care Planning More Attractive, Says Portland-Based Expert

Multiple Federal and State Incentives Now Moderate the Cost

Portland, OR February 18, 2014 – Diane Steeves & Associates Long-term care services, which are generally not covered by Medicare or regular health insurance, can be expensive. “Sticker shock keeps many from thinking about it,” says Diane Steeves, an LTC solution expert for Diane Steeves & Associates, with offices in Portland.

“The good news is that Uncle Sam and the states want to help,” says Steeves. The help, in the form of tax relief, applies to multiple ways of paying for care, ranging from long-term care insurance to annuities and reverse mortgages.

• Tax benefits of owning long-term care insurance: For the 2014 tax year, federal tax deduction limits for LTC insurance range from $370 to $4,660, depending on age. That’s up from $360 to $4,550, the deduction limit range for 2013. “If you already have a policy, the 2013 limits will apply for this year's return, due April 15,” Says Steeves's colleague Ken Dehn, General Counsel for Diane Steeves & Associates. “If you don’t have a policy, you can set future deductions in motion now, starting with the 2014 limits.”

In recent years, many states have followed Uncle Sam’s lead. “Well over half now offer some form of tax deduction or credit for owning LTC insurance,” says Dehn. “Steeves can provide details for OR and other states.”  

• Tax benefits of life insurance and annuities that cover long-term care: So called long-term care riders convert life insurance or annuity benefits into an LTC benefit covering care when needed, “but most of the riders now available are not tax-qualified,” says Gil Edwards, another colleague of Steeves. Edwards is President of Diane Steeves & Associates’s Annuities and Life division. “Fortunately, we represent a carrier that does offer tax-qualified LTC riders.”

• Tax benefits of critical illness insurance: CI insurance is an increasingly popular, affordable means of protecting oneself from major conditions (such as cancer or dementia) that may lead to the need for long-term care. "The premiums are not currently tax-deductible for an individual buying coverage; but the benefits are received tax-free," says Dehn.

• Tax benefits of a reverse mortgage: Available to homeowners 62 or older, reverse mortgages are special mortgage loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration. They do not become due for as long as the homeowner resides in their primary residence. Uses are varied and include paying for long-term care if and when needed. “Reverse mortgages are designed with the needs of seniors in mind,” says Josh Stephens, another colleague of Steeves. Stephens is President of Reverse Mortgage Direct, an affiliate of LTCFP. “Proceeds are tax-free, and getting a reverse mortgage does not generally affect one’s Social Security, Medicare or pension benefits.”

Organizations, like individuals, may also benefit from LTC tax incentives. “Premiums can be 100% tax-deductible to a business,” says Dehn. “Premiums are not considered income to the employee, and when benefits are received, they’re generally tax-free.”

Diane Steeves & Associates does not offer tax advice but teams with accountants and other tax experts -- as well as employee benefits and human resources professionals -- to help their clients get all the deductions or other benefits available to them.

Information is available from Steeves at diane.steeves@ltcfp.net, http://www.LTCPLNG.COM or 503-297-7677.

Diane Steeves is a leading long-term care solutions agent in OR, serving consumers as well as organizations. “We’re glad to help individuals or employers learn the type of protection that's best for their situation,” Steeves says.

In California the company is known as LTC Partners & Insurance Services; in other states, as LTC Financial Partners. The corporate website: http://www.ltcfp.com.

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