Caring in America

With Podcast Host: Richard Wexler

Episode 122

A New Solution for Paying for Care- Understanding the Immediate Care Plan

Caring for an aging loved one often comes with one of the toughest questions families face: How are we going to pay for care? In this episode of Caring in America, host Richard Wexler sits down with long-term care expert Patrick Johnson to discuss an innovative financial tool designed to help families bridge the gap when traditional planning hasn’t been put in place—the Immediate Care Plan.

What Is the Immediate Care Plan?

The Immediate Care Plan is a specialized financial product known as a Single Premium Immediate Annuity (SPIA)—but with a critical difference. It is medically underwritten, meaning it takes a person’s current health into account.

Because of this, individuals with shorter life expectancies due to health conditions may receive higher guaranteed monthly income compared to a traditional annuity. This makes it especially valuable for those already facing care needs.

In simple terms, it converts a one-time payment into a guaranteed monthly income stream for life, helping cover the cost of care.


How It Works in Real Life

Let’s break it down with a common scenario:

  • Monthly cost of care: $7,000
  • Existing income: $4,000
  • Monthly shortfall: $3,000

With the Immediate Care Plan:

  • The client applies (with no upfront cost or obligation)
  • Medical underwriting is completed
  • The insurance carrier determines a one-time premium
  • In return, the client receives guaranteed monthly income to cover that gap—for life

This approach gives families clarity and confidence when navigating care expenses.


Who Is This Designed For?

This solution is specifically tailored for:

  • Adults aged 70 to 95
  • Individuals already receiving care or about to enter a care community
  • Those who did not purchase long-term care insurance earlier in life
  • People experiencing difficulty with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Unlike traditional long-term care insurance—which typically requires applicants to be younger and in good health—this plan meets people where they are today.


Why This Matters

One of the biggest challenges in aging is the lack of planning for long-term care. Many families find themselves in a reactive position, trying to piece together resources during a crisis.

The Immediate Care Plan helps solve what Patrick describes as the “back-end problem”—providing an option after health issues arise.

It can:

  • Reduce financial stress on families
  • Provide predictable income for care
  • Offer a viable alternative when other options are no longer available

A Tool for the Whole Care Team

This product is especially powerful when introduced by professionals working closely with families, such as:

  • Placement specialists
  • Care community advisors
  • Financial professionals

By incorporating it into conversations early, families can make more informed decisions about care and funding options.


Final Thoughts

The Immediate Care Plan isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—but it is a valuable tool in the caregiving toolkit, particularly for families navigating care later in life without prior planning.

As Richard highlights in the episode, this option fills a critical gap for those who may no longer qualify for traditional long-term care insurance but still need a sustainable way to fund care.

If you or someone you know is facing this situation, exploring solutions like this could make a meaningful difference in both financial stability and peace of mind.


Key Takeaways

  • The Immediate Care Plan provides guaranteed lifetime income to help cover care costs
  • It is designed for individuals already experiencing health challenges
  • It offers a practical solution for families who didn’t plan ahead for long-term care

Action Step

If you’re working with aging loved ones or clients, start the conversation early about how care will be funded—and consider adding tools like the Immediate Care Plan to your planning discussions.

Photo of APlan2Age's Co-Founder and CEO, Richard Wexler, JD

Patrick Johnson, Long-Term-Care Agent

CLU, AEP, CLTC
CA Insurance Lic #0573532
Can assist nationwide as needed

Home Team of 680 Corridor

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Our country is entering a new chapter, one we have never seen before… over 100 million people are 50 years of age or older, and the need for care is going to be more and more prevalent. We are dreaming of a nation where aging and care are understood and become part of our normal conversations with family.

To make this a reality, we need your help!

Contact

(925) 984-0118

info@aplan2age.org

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