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(EMAILWIRE.COM, November 27, 2007 ) Manhasset, New York – When people start shopping for long term care insurance, they invariably ask, how much does it cost? "It's an excellent question," says Gene Cutler, Manhasset-based Partner of LTC Financial Partners LLC, the nation's most experienced long term care insurance brokerage, "but it's off-target and could lead you astray." Cutler suggests a more nuanced question, "How much does a good policy -- one that's right for my situation from a sound carrier -- cost, and how does that cost compare with the costs of other good policies?"The simple question, how much does it cost, is easily answered, Cutler points out. "Just do an Internet search or get quotes from a few carriers." But this results in problems. "What insurance company won't say it's the best? But companies vary all over the lot in policy features, rate stability, and making good on their commitments." For the unassisted consumer, "Narrowing down to the handful of top, really sound carriers is very difficult," he says.Another problem with the simple question, how much does it cost, is that no two policies are alike. "You're comparing apples with oranges in most cases. You could go with a policy that has a lower premium, but actually overpay for what you're getting.""You really want answers to the more nuanced question," says Cutler, "and for that you need help from an impartial advisor." That's a professional who knows the in's and out's of long term care and who doesn't have a vested interest in any single carrier. But finding such a person is not easy. "Associations seem impartial, but often you'll find they have an arrangement with a single insurance company. Many states offer good advice, but they end up referring you to a list of carriers without saying which are better, and then you're on your own."Independent insurance brokers are the best bet for sound, impartial advice, "but you need to take care here too," he warns. "Some independent brokers aren't so independent; they represent a single insurance company. Others represent just two or three carriers. Others handle many types of insurance -- from health to auto -- so they're not that up on long term care."Several years ago Cutler's organization saw the need for a national network of knowledgeable advisors "who focused on long term care insurance and that alone, and who knew which carriers were the absolute best, but didn't have a vested interest in recommending any one." Today the network numbers nearly 300 state-certified field underwriters spread throughout the nation."One of the most common questions we get," says Cutler, "is how much does it cost." But Cutler and others in LTC Financial Partners don't answer in the ordinary way. "First we ask a few questions to determine which policy features you need and don't need. Then we find alternative policies that really fit your need, from A-rated carriers certified in your state. And finally we give you not just one but two or more cost quotes, so you can make a meaningful comparison."A phone call with Cutler, the field underwriter covering the local area, may be requested at his website: http://www.ltcfp.us/GeneCutlerGene Cutler has been involved exclusively with long term care insurance for fourteen years. Nationally recognized as one of the leading independent producers for this specialized protection of assets and independence, Gene objectively represents major carriers who maintain an ongoing commitment to the industry, as well as strong financial reserves and selective underwriting standards.Along with individual counseling, Gene assists businesses large and small in selecting and analyzing group offerings; and has a growing number of financial advisors, attorneys and accountants seeking out recommendations for their clients. He is frequently requested to provide group presentations on long term care issues and how they impact retirement planning and family dynamics.A life long New Yorker, Gene, along with his wife Susan, maintains residences on Long Island's North Shore and in Manhattan.MEDIA CONTACT: Dick Samson of EraNova Institute for LTC Financial Partners - 973-335-3699 – media@eranova.com
Dick Samson
dicksamson@eranova.com 
Source: EmailWire.com
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