The number nobody wants to see — but planning for it can save your family everything.
Costs are 2024 Genworth national medians. Coastal cities run 30–60% above; rural areas run below. Medicare does NOT cover long-term custodial care. Medicaid covers it but requires spending down assets to ~$2,000 (state-by-state spousal protections apply). LTC insurance is one option but premium hikes are common — research hybrid life-insurance/LTC policies and shared-care couple riders before buying.
