June 3, 2015 — Planning for a long-time disability has become more than it was 30 years ago because people are living longer. A 30-year retirement is not unusual.

Social Security and Medicare will not help with many (most) costs associated with long term care.

Long Term Disability insurance (LTD) replaces your income if you are unable to work. But it doesn’t pay for nursing homes, assisted living or home health care from a professional or a relative. LTC does, and it comes in all shapes, sizes and prices.

Currently, 272,000 members of the federal family — workers, retirees and military people — have LTC through the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program. Many others, one hopes, have it with one of the few remaining companies that offer it.

So what questions should you be asking?. How much do you need? What are the premiums? How long should the benefits last? What about inflation protection?

For all the answers, listen to our “Your Turn” program, Wednesday at 10 a.m. here on FederalNewsRadio.com.

The lead off guest is Joan Melanson, director of program promotion for Long Term Care Partners, which administers the government program.

This is definitely not a fun subject. It is downright grim. But sticking your head in the sand and ignoring any potential future need for long term care won’t make it go away.

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