Asset-based long-term care products have taken on heightened importance in light of the potential appeal of a federal law designed to provide long-term care coverage, according to a Midwestern-based insurer.

The State Life Insurance Company, a OneAmerica company, Indianapolis, says that life insurance and annuity products with long-term care benefits remain a viable option despite the potential repeal of the CLASS Act. Part of the recent federal health reform legislation, the CLASS act was passed to create a voluntary public insurance program to pay for long-term care expenses, but last month the Obama administration announced it would not push forward with the program due to cost and sustainability concerns.

State Life, among other life insurers, offer asset-based long-term care products that use the structure of life insurance or annuities but provide long-term care benefits as needed. According to the insurance industry research organization LIMRA, these products – known as "hybrid" or "combo" products – saw sales growth across the U.S. of 62% in 2010.