Long-term insurance is becoming a mainstream tool for long-term financial planning, according to a report by The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI).

The report, "Passing the Trust to Private Long-Term Care Insurance," shows that long-term care insurance is growing in popularity. Consumers are buying long-term care coverage at younger ages; workers, including blue-collar workers in many industries, are enrolling in employer-sponsored long-term care plans; and families with strong cultures of caring for elders are buying long-term care insurance in growing numbers.

In addition, the report found that:

• Women baby boomers are buying long-term care insurance as a result of their experiences in caring for people needing long-term care assistance.
• Almost half of Americans 45 and older have discussed their possible need for long-term care with their adult children.
• More than one-third of large companies are offering long-term care insurance as an employee benefit. Smaller employers are offering coverage as well.
• At least 22 states are offering long-term care insurance to their employees.
• Life insurers have paid out more than $11 billion in long-term care benefits.

"Long-term care insurance is coming of age--and at the right time. More than 70 million baby boomers are approaching retirement. In addition, the U.S. Census projects 80 to 90 million Americans will be 65 or older by the year 2030," says ACLI Senior Director Lynn Boyd.

To read the ACLI news release and to download the 57-page report in PDF format, click here.

To find a long-term care insurance agent certified by the Corporation for Long-Term Care Certification, go to: www.ltc-cltc.com