Main Street Financial Partners - How much does long-care insurance cost
Planning Today to Protect Tomorrow

How Much Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cost?

The cost of Long-Term Care (LTC) insurance varies for each individual based on factors such as age, health, coverage amount, and plan design.

While it’s easy to focus on the premium, what truly matters is how your policy balances cost, protection, and flexibility.

At Main Street Financial Partners, we help clients understand the true cost of care in Allentown, Bethlehem, Whitehall, Easton, Coopersburg, Saucon Valley, and Center Valley, as well as surrounding areas throughout the Lehigh Valley, Northampton County, Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Berks County.

Our team designs long-term care strategies that align with your lifestyle and financial goals.

Factors That Affect Premiums

Several variables influence how much you’ll pay for LTC insurance. Knowing what drives the cost can help you make smart decisions when comparing policies.

Age, Health, and Coverage Amount

Age and health are the most significant cost drivers. The younger and healthier you are when applying, the lower your premiums. Once health conditions arise, coverage becomes more expensive or sometimes unavailable.

The amount of coverage you select also affects cost:

  • Daily or monthly benefit amount: Higher benefit = higher premium.
  • Benefit period: Longer coverage duration = higher cost.
  • Shared care or joint coverage: Adds flexibility for couples but slightly increases price.

 

Example:

A healthy 55-year-old might pay $150–$200 per month for a moderate plan, while a 65-year-old could pay twice as much for similar coverage.

Elimination Period and Benefit Duration

The elimination period (or waiting period) determines how long you pay out-of-pocket before benefits begin.

  • Shorter elimination period (30–60 days) = higher premium
  • Longer elimination period (90–180 days) = lower premium

Benefit duration (the length of time coverage lasts) also impacts cost:

  • 2–3 years is common for basic plans
  • 5 years or more provides extended protection
  • Lifetime benefits are the most comprehensive and most expensive


Balancing these options is key to keeping your premiums affordable while maintaining meaningful protection.

Inflation Riders and Options

Inflation protection ensures that your benefits grow over time as care costs rise.

While this feature increases your initial premium, it can save you tens of thousands of dollars in future care expenses.

Common inflation protection options include:

  • 3% Compound Inflation: Standard for many modern LTC plans
  • 5% Compound Inflation: Stronger growth, higher premiums
  • Guaranteed Purchase Option: Lets you add coverage later without re-qualifying medically


Tip: Choosing inflation protection early ensures your benefits maintain real purchasing power 10, 20, or even 30 years from now.

Average LTC Insurance Costs in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the average annual premium for long-term care insurance ranges from $2,000 to $4,500, depending on the policy type, age, and coverage features.

For example:

  • Single male, age 55: ~$2,100 per year for mid-range coverage
  • Single female, age 55: ~$2,900 per year (women generally pay more due to longevity)
  • Couples (shared plan): ~$4,500 per year combined

The average cost of care in Pennsylvania continues to rise:

  • Home health aide: $65,000+ per year
  • Assisted living facility: $60,000+ per year
  • Nursing home private room: $120,000+ per year

 

A well-structured LTC policy can offset these costs, helping you preserve savings and maintain independence.

Comparing Quotes and Carriers

Comparing multiple LTC insurance quotes is essential because premiums can vary significantly across carriers even for similar coverage.

Key points to compare:

  • Monthly benefit amount and duration
  • Elimination period
  • Inflation protection options
  • Financial strength of the insurer
  • Optional riders (shared care, return of premium, etc.)


Independent advisors, like those at Main Street Financial Partners, can access multiple insurance companies and help you identify the most cost-effective options without sacrificing coverage quality.

Why Working With an Independent Advisor Matters

Working with an independent financial advisor ensures your plan is built around your personal goals not tied to a single company’s product line.

At Main Street Financial Partners, we:

  • Compare top-rated insurance carriers
  • Evaluate long-term affordability and benefit value
  • Customize coverage to fit your health, budget, and retirement strategy
  • Provide ongoing support to adjust your plan as needs change


Our mission is to help you secure reliable long term care protection without overpaying for it.

Request a Personalized LTC Quote Today

Frequently Asked Questions

Roughly $2,000–$4,500 per year, varying by age, health, benefits, and policy type.

Age, health, gender, monthly benefit, benefit period, elimination period, and inflation protection.

Traditional policies can have class-wide increases; hybrids typically have fixed premiums.

Applying earlier usually halves the premium versus waiting a decade.

Qualified premiums may be deductible (age-based limits); benefits are generally tax-free.

Many target 2–5 years of benefits aligned to local care costs and budget.

Home care, assisted living, and nursing facilities can range from tens of thousands to over $120k annually.

Yes—3%–5% compound can meaningfully preserve purchasing power.

Often—spousal discounts and shared care can reduce combined costs 10–30%

Review benefits, riders, financial strength, and total value—ideally via an independent advisor.

Client Testimonials

"I had a great experience working with Elizabeth Snyder. They made the process of moving my funds smooth, secure, and stress-free. Their communication was clear, and they were always available to answer my questions. I felt confident in their expertise and appreciated the level of care and professionalism throughout. Highly recommended!"
Jane H.
"After working with Elizabeth Snyder, owner of Main Street Financial for approximately 2 years, I wanted to share my experience for anyone considering their services. I have found Elizabeth’s knowledge base of risk vs. benefit in regards to financial planning to be extremely helpful and appreciated her recommendations of varying options for my particular needs to be spot on. Her knowledge base of the market has provided me with confidence for my long-term plan and I feel assured their advice and fiduciary commitment is focused on my best interest and not theirs.  Additionally, I would be amiss to not mention members of her team Bethany and Nancy, who create a strong backbone and presence in the company."
Deborah B.
"I just want to “thank you” for all your help over the years. My Dick learned so much from your classes back at the Bethlehem location. I have been covered w/good sound advice from you dear people. Thank you so very much."
Jane P.

Protect Your Future with a Smart Long-Term Care Plan.

Our specialists guide you through long-term care insurance, funding options, and personalized planning so you can make informed decisions that fit your goals and budget.