Long Term Care Certification Practice Test

An insured has a long-term care insurance policy for 17 years. At 81 and facing serious health issues, what can the insurer do?

1. Cancel the policy immediately

2. Increase premium rates significantly

3. Keep the policy in force as long as premiums are paid

4. Convert the policy into a life insurance policy

The correct answer is: Keep the policy in force as long as premiums are paid

The correct answer is that the insurer can keep the policy in force as long as premiums are paid. Long-term care insurance policies are designed to provide benefits over a prolonged period, and as long as the policyholder continues to pay the premiums, the insurer is obligated to maintain coverage. This means that the insured can rely on their policy for the benefits promised, regardless of increased health risks or age-related issues. This principle is foundational in insurance contracts, reflecting the essential nature of these policies as protection against the financial impacts of long-term care needs. Insurers cannot unilaterally cancel a policy or deny coverage based on the insured's health status after such an extended duration of the policy. Additionally, while insurers may consider adjusting premiums, significant increases can only be implemented according to regulatory guidelines and are often not allowed based solely on the policyholder's age or health conditions. Therefore, as long as the policyholder consistently pays their premiums, they are entitled to continued coverage.