Twenty-five states reported a double-digit percentage increase in the number of residents with long-term care insurance according to annual data compiled by the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI).

Smaller states recorded the greatest percentage growth compared to the prior year's report.

"The number of insured individuals in Alaska grew by nearly 130 percent," explains Jesse Slome, AALTCI's executive director. "Other smaller states like Wyoming (62 percent) and Vermont (48 percent) saw significant increases as well."

According to the Association's Sourcebook, states with the largest number of residents owning long-term care insurance include California, New York, Texas, Florida and Illinois. [See related: 5 most affordable states for private long term care]

"New York with over 450,000 policyholders recorded the largest percentage increase in covered lives with nearly eight percent more insureds," Slome reports. Only two states (Pennsylvania and Missouri) saw year-to-year declines in the number of residents with coverage.

Declines may occur because the number of lapsed policyholders and deaths exceed the number of newly insured individuals.

"Sales of long-term care insurance are increasing as more consumers recognize the importance and affordability of this protection," Slome notes. "Many insurance agents are having their best years as prospects are seeking them out; something that has never occurred before."

The annual Sourcebook is published by the Association and mailed free of charge to all members.

Instant Insights /

25 states report double-digit growth of LTCI policyholders

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