1. Can you afford to pay the Sharing Contribution for the LTCBP you are considering?

If you plan to pay the sharing contribution solely from your own income, a rule of thumb is that you may not be able to afford this LTCBP if the sharing contribution is more than 7% of your income. Your sharing contribution is based on the benefit options you select and your age and the sharing contribution rates in effect at the time we receive your application.

2. Can you afford future changes to your sharing contribution?

Your sharing contribution may increase if:

• You are among a group of enrollees (for example, those with the same plan design or set of benefits) whose sharing contribution is determined to be inadequate.

3. If you are considering the future purchase option, have you looked at whether you can afford increased sharing contributions for future increases to your benefits?

If you do not plan to accept future increases, have you considered how you will pay for any long term care that exceeds the amount your LTCBP will cover?

4. Do you qualify for Medicaid, or are you likely to qualify in the near future?

Medicaid may be available for a person with low income (for example, less than $20,000 per individual or $40,000 per couple) and few assets (for example, less than $30,000 per individual or $50,000 per couple, not counting the value of your home). Medicaid covers some long term care services. If you have a low income and few assets now, or expect to in the next 10 years, you may want to consider whether a LTCBP is right for you. It is important to remember that Medicaid eligibility requirements vary by state. To learn about Medicaid, contact your local or state Medicaid agency.