Nov 11, 2010 – November is Long-Term Care Awareness Month and even the U.S. Congress has urged "the people of the United States to recognize (this) as an opportunity to learn more about the potential risks and costs … and the options available."

Some 10 million Americans currently require long-term care according to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance  http://www.aaltci.org  with annual expenditures exceeding $200 billion.

"We're proud to support this important educational campaign," says Jesse Slome, executive director of the Association which established Long-Term Care Awareness Month in 2001.  Experts expect the number of aging adults needing care will grow significantly in the next decade as the 76 million baby boomers begin to turn 65. 

To inform individuals about the importance of long-term care planning and simple ways to make insurance protection more affordable, AALTCI is making available a free online informational consumer guide.

"Few people are aware of the available discounts and planning techniques that can make long-term care insurance quite affordable," explains Jesse Slome, the organization's executive director.  "It is possible to reduce the cost by between 20-and-50 percent yearly."

For example, significant discounts are available when applicants meet certain health qualifications that can vary from one insurer to another.  "Non-smokers may qualify for savings and couples or partners who apply for protection may be eligible for savings," Slome adds.  "Savings can apply even when only one spouse obtains insurance coverage."

The "2 Minute Guide: Reducing The Cost" can be accessed online.  No sign-in or personal information is required.  To access the free guide, visit  http://www.aaltci.org/free-guide/ .

About The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI). Established in 1998, AALTCI is the national professional organization serving over 3,000 insurance professionals who market long-term care insurance. The organization's online Consumer Information Center http://www.aaltci.org/ has been recognized as a leading resource of current information and relevant statistical data.