September 21, 2018 - SACRAMENTO – Senator Ted Gaines (R-El Dorado) on Thursday announced that Governor Brown has signed his Senate Bill 1248, a bill that will provide more options for consumers purchasing long-term care insurance.
“The state shouldn’t choke off choices for consumers,” said Senator Gaines. “SB 1248 opens up avenues to new products for people shopping for long-term care. It’s a mistake to push a one-size-fits-all option on everyone, when people’s finances, levels of care, and personal choices are so different. By changing plan standards we give consumers more control over their care options.”
Senator Gaines' bill opens new levels of treatment and support for long-term care insurance (LTCI) plans that are covered by California’s Partnership for Long-Term Care. This California government entity certifies special long-term care insurance (LTCI) policies intended for middle-income consumers who may need long-term services and support provided through the Medi-Cal program when they exhaust their policy benefits. The program brings together private insurers and state agencies to offer LTCI products with benefits that coordinate with Medi-Cal’s long-term care program and offer a unique 'asset protection' feature that saves the state and policy holders money.
“California is seeing a flood of aging and retiring citizens, and the need for long-term care is going to explode. This could decimate private and public budgets unless we plan ahead and get creative with our solutions. SB 1248 gives consumers the flexibility they need to make decisions to protect their assets while getting long-term care and it protects the state budget as well. This bill is a victory for everyone.”
Source: Senator Ted Gaines