Navigating 2026 LTC rate hikes, riders & your options.
Honest analysis for the 6.5 million Americans who already own a long-term care insurance policy — and for the family members helping them decide what to do when the premium just jumped 30 percent.
Decision Framework
Five real options when your premium increases. Each option walked through with present-value math against your specific policy structure, age, and state.
The Carrier File
Eight major LTC carriers, four grounded metrics each: NAIC complaint indices, sales status, recent rate-filing approvals, and disclosed block size. Every figure linked to primary source.
Math, Not Opinion
The Self-Insurance vs LTC breakeven calculator the industry doesn’t want to exist. Disclosed assumptions. Scenario analysis, not personal recommendation.
Carrier Coverage Status: 2026 Outlook
Sales posture, recent state-DOI rate filings, and disclosed block facts for eight major LTC carriers. Each row links to that carrier’s full file.
| Carrier | Sales Status | Recent Rate Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genworth Financial | RE-ENTERED 2025 | CT 97% (2022) | Legacy block + new CareScout Care Assurance line |
| John Hancock | CLOSED BLOCK | MD 29.9% (2025) | Discontinued 2016; LifeCare IUL hybrid available |
| Mutual of Omaha | ACTIVE | PA 74–98% (2022) | One of few writing new standalone individual LTC |
| Northwestern Mutual | ACTIVE | No specific approvals located | QuietCare + Long-Term Advantage hybrid (2022) |
| New York Life | ACTIVE | No specific approvals located | NYL My Care + Secure Care; Asset Flex hybrid |
| MassMutual | CLOSED BLOCK | NY 37.5%×4yr (2024) | Discontinued 2021; CareChoice hybrid; admin via LifeCare Assurance |
| Transamerica | CLOSED BLOCK | PA 30%+17.48% (2022) | Discontinued 2021; IUL LTC rider (Nov 2023) |
| Brighthouse Financial | HYBRID ONLY | Not located | SmartCare hybrid (2019); no standalone individual LTC |
For NAIC complaint indices, block size, and per-carrier rate-filing detail, open the full Carrier File.
EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER
Coverage status and rate-filing data are compiled from public NAIC SERFF filings and state insurance department records. We make no representation about carrier solvency or financial strength — consult AM Best or S&P ratings for that. Past rate-filing patterns are not a guarantee of future filings. Decisions about your specific policy should involve a fiduciary financial advisor.
Latest Analysis
VIEW ALL ARTICLES
Editorial
Chronic Illness Rider Claim Payout: The Actuarial Discount You Weren't Told About
If you own a life policy with a 'no additional cost' chronic illness rider, your claim payout may be 30–60% less than the face value. Here's the actuarial math — and the NAIC gap flagged in September 2026.
Editorial
Northwestern Mutual LTC Rate Increases: What the SERFF Filings Show
Northwestern Mutual still sells new standalone LTC — one of the only carriers that does. Its SERFF filing record shows a 27–30% per-round increase pattern. What in-force policyholders need to know.
Editorial
New York Life LTC Rate Increases: Legacy Policy History & What Policyholders Face
New York Life's ILTC-4300 and ILTC-5000 legacy blocks went through two rate increase waves: 18–40% in 2013–2015, then 80% in 2019–2022. The non-cancellable offer — and which states still face future increases.