New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

How Dollar General Employees Can Use an Older Life Insurance Policy to Support Long-Term Care Needs

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Dollar General Dollar General employees typically access healthcare coverage through UnitedHealthcare, which is their primary health insurance provider. This partnership offers a range of health plans that cater to the diverse needs of their workforce, including preventive care, emergency services, and other essential health benefits. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, Dollar General employees and retirees may face significant increases in healthcare costs due to projected hikes in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium rates. Anticipated increases could exceed 60% in some states, primarily driven by the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, rising medical expenses, and aggressive rate requests from major insurers like UnitedHealthcare. Without renewed legislation to extend these subsidies, a staggering 92% of marketplace enrollees could see their out-of-pocket premiums jump by over 75%, drastically impacting their financial health and access to affordable care as they navigate this changing landscape. Click here to learn more

'For many Dollar General employees, reviewing whether an older life insurance policy still aligns with long-term care needs can be a meaningful step in maintaining a well-structured retirement plan, and thoughtful evaluation is essential.' — Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Dollar General employees can benefit from periodically reassessing older life insurance policies to determine whether a 1035 exchange or updated long-term care strategy may better support their evolving retirement goals.' — Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

How a 1035 exchange works and when it may be appropriate.
Ways long-term care planning can interact with existing life insurance policies.
Key considerations before replacing or exchanging an older policy.

For many people, older life insurance policies—sometimes purchased 10, 15, or even 25 years ago—may no longer align with their current needs. As financial priorities evolve, regular reviews of insurance coverage become important to confirm that everything is still functioning as intended. This becomes even more relevant given the rising cost of long-term care. ¹ For Dollar General employees relying on older insurance policies to help cover the costs of long-term care, this matters more than ever.

Notably, if an existing life insurance policy no longer meets your goals, a 1035 exchange could help support future long-term care costs. Regulated under Section 1035 of the Internal Revenue Code, a 1035 exchange permits the tax-free transfer of one life insurance policy to another “like-kind” policy. When certain conditions are met—such as keeping the same owner and generally the same insured on both contracts—this rule allows Dollar General employees to shift from an existing life insurance contract to a comparable policy without incurring taxes. ²

Through this exchange, an older policy may be transitioned into a tax-qualified long-term care insurance policy. One option some people consider is a hybrid long-term care policy, which blends life insurance with a long-term care rider. Benefits from these policies are generally paid tax-free up to IRS limits, and the death benefit can be accelerated or accessed to help cover qualified long-term care expenses ³ —an arrangement some Dollar General employees may find helpful as they prepare for the years ahead.

There is no universal approach when evaluating a 1035 exchange. Before making changes, it’s important to understand how surrender fees, taxes, or performance differences may influence outcomes. Age and health can also determine whether new coverage is available or advisable. These factors contribute to whether keeping your current policy, exchanging it, surrendering it, or exploring new options may be appropriate.

A hybrid long-term care policy may offer benefits over an older life insurance policy in many situations. Examples include circumstances where loved ones no longer need the death benefit, the existing policy is falling short of expectations, or the gap between the cash value and death benefit has narrowed significantly. Reviewing illustrations that show a policy’s future performance can help you evaluate whether your coverage still supports your long-term goals.

Long-term care planning is an important part of preparing for the future, and maintaining thoughtful family coverage at each stage of life matters. A financial adviser can help you review your current insurance and discuss what type of future coverage may fit your needs. A tax professional can also offer guidance on tax considerations associated with a 1035 exchange.

The Retirement Group can assist you in reviewing your retirement planning, including decisions about life insurance and long-term care, and how these pieces fit into your broader financial approach. For assistance, call us at (800) 900-5867 .