Pennsylvania Insurance Department Petitions to Place Penn Treaty Into Liquidation

October 2, 2009. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department today filed petitions that seek orders of liquidation for Penn Treaty Network America Insurance Company and its subsidiary, American Network Insurance Company. The petitions are subject to the approval of Commonwealth Court.

"We have been on-site analyzing the organizations' assets, liabilities, reserves and surpluses since we began our rehabilitation action in January," Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario said. "Our comprehensive, independent evaluation has determined that the companies do not have the ability to pay future claims without significant rate increases that would have to be requested and approved in all 50 states. In the current circumstances, those rate increases simply would not be fair to policyholders.

"We have instead petitioned for an orderly liquidation of all company assets in which policyholders' claim payments are our number one priority. Additionally, active long-term care policies will not be canceled, except by the policyholder, so they will be transitioned to the states' guaranty funds once an order takes effect. Guaranty funds have the right to assess other insurance companies to cover policyholder claims up to coverage limits that vary by state."
Penn Treaty Network America, headquartered in Allentown, and its subsidiary, American Network, provide long-term care insurance to more than 120,000 policyholders.

Together, the companies offered long-term care insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Policyholders and other interested parties will receive further information about the liquidation when the court enters an order. In the interim, policyholders with questions on claims or non-claim matters may call, toll-free, 1-800-362-0700, ext. 3270.

Posted by Jesse Slome
American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance

Ages When People Buy Long-Term Care Insurance

I've talked a bit about how there's no "best" age to buy long-term care insurance. And, that it's really a matter of when you can still health qualify.

But, today's consumer caller wanted actual numbers. So, there will undoubtedly be others who are interested.

In 2007, the last year for which data was gathered by the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, here's the age of new buyers. The data was based on about 200,000 new insureds.
Under age 35 ... 1%
Age 35-44 ........ 6%
Age 45-54 ........ 26%
Age 55-64 ........ 50%
Age 65-74 ........ 15%
Age 75+ ............ 2%

My personal advice to folks is that your mid-50s is the best time to start the process. As I've seen myself, no one who is 50+ leaves the doctor's office without some presecription in hand. That may not cause you to lose good health discounts (or be ineligible at any cost) but why risk it.

For more information, visit the Association's Consumer Information Center where you'll find a wealth of helpful info.