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When working with couples from time to time I learn that one will not meet underwriting criteria for getting coverage. The bad news may come during our initial interview and I have to tell them the truth even before we submit an application. The other situation is following underwriting, when one is turned down by the company. I get different reactions each time this occurs.  Some will admit that they didn’t think they would qualify, or maybe it is a surprise that comes from information in the medical records.  Others express anger with the company, and will say, “If my spouse can’t get the coverage, then I don’t want it.” I think what they are saying is I can’t do this without them, it’s just not right.

A very wise 47-year old who did not qualify for coverage told me the other day that if they could only buy coverage for one, they needed to do it for the benefit of the children. This person was not in a position to care for their spouse if he became disabled. With no insurance coverage, care for either of them would fall to the children.  She said it so clearly and precisely that I didn’t need to say a thing.  Putting coverage in place, if just for one spouse, was the only solution for their problem.

With this person’s help, I think I am now more able to make this message clearer. We often talk about long term care insurance being as much for family members  as for the persons taking out the coverage. It is easy to say, but sometimes hard to get that message across.  Listening to my clients teaches me so much. That is one of the reasons I love my job.