Lynn Jordan   January 2, 2014 at 1:17 PM
There also needs to be a discussion on the pitfalls, shortcomings, and decreasing availability of affordable Long Term Health Care Medical Programs. My policy in effect for 20 years has gone from life-time coverage (which would have seen premiums increase in 2014 to over $600 a month) to a policy limited to 10 years with monthly premiums that have already tripled up to 2014 mandated changes. Many of these long term programs did not have adequate reserves to cover the cost of claims of seniors 60+ who enrolled and began to draw on the program's benefits within a few years of the effective date of their policies. Those of us who were in our late 40';s, early 50's when we enrolled are now assuming more and more of the costs of the long term care health care programs. For those of us on a fixed retirement income it can be a financial challenge to remain in the long term care program -but given all we have paid in premiums to date and fearing the worse in run away costs of nursing/convalescent care we continue to pay the monthly premiums. Coupled with rising prescription drug co-pays they have become increasing outlays every month.