Navigating Rising Long-Term Care Costs: Essential Insights for TravelCenters of America Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for TravelCenters of America TravelCenters of America employees have access to Aetna as their healthcare provider. This partnership typically offers a range of health insurance plans that include medical, dental, and vision coverage, tailored to the needs of their workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look ahead to 2026, employees of TravelCenters of America should brace for significant healthcare cost increases. Premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans are anticipated to surge, with some states experiencing hikes exceeding 60%. This spike is driven by factors such as the potential end of enhanced federal premium subsidies and rising medical costs, including high-priced treatments and hospitalization expenses. Many large employers, including TravelCenters of America, may respond by shifting more costs onto employees, making it crucial for workers to evaluate their healthcare options and manage expenses proactively as these challenges loom. Click here to learn more

As TravelCenters of America employees approach retirement, it's crucial to address the need for long-term care.  Government projections indicate that nearly 70% of older adults will require some form of long-term assistance.   Despite this, a survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation reveals that many have not prepared for this eventuality.

The Cost of Long-Term Care

For employees at TravelCenters of America, understanding the financial implications of long-term care is vital.  A Genworth Cost of Care survey  reports that the average annual cost for a private room in a nursing home exceeds $100,000, while home health aides average over $60,000 per year. Since Medicare does not cover these expenses, options such as personal savings, hybrid insurance policies, annuities with long-term care components, traditional insurance, or Medicaid (post asset depletion) become necessary considerations.

Family Impact

The financial and emotional toll of unprepared long-term care can disrupt family stability. This section offers practical tips for TravelCenters of America employees on managing these potential costs.

Conventional Insurance for Long-Term Care

For TravelCenters of America's workforce, obtaining long-term care insurance requires good health, timely application, and the financial ability to sustain premiums. However, only a small fraction of those eligible opt for this insurance.

The Price of Long-Term Health Insurance

Purchasing long-term care insurance during one's forties or early fifties can result in significantly lower premiums. With age, not only do premiums rise, but the likelihood of being denied coverage increases as well.

Methods for Cutting Costs

TravelCenters of America employees might find financial relief in purchasing insurance early, choosing policies with a joint benefit option for couples, or opting for a longer elimination period to reduce premium costs. Annual premium payments also offer cost savings.

Benefits for TravelCenters of America Employees

Some employers, may offer long-term care insurance as part of their benefits package, which often remains portable after employment ends.

Hybrid Insurance Policies

The market has seen a shift towards hybrid policies that combine life insurance with long-term care benefits. These are accessible but typically more expensive than standalone policies.

Long-Term Care Rider Annuities

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Annuities with a long-term care rider provide a hybrid solution that may suit some retirees better, offering payments irrespective of long-term care needs and usually featuring more lenient health requirements.

Independent Insurance

Affluent retirees might consider self-insuring, requiring substantial liquid assets to cover potential long-term care costs. It's important for TravelCenters of America employees to plan for the tax implications of using retirement savings for these costs.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

HSAs offer a tax-advantaged way to save for long-term care expenses, suitable for TravelCenters of America employees with high-deductible health plans. These accounts allow for tax-free growth and withdrawals when used for qualified medical expenses.

Family Guidance

Many retirees will rely on family for care, as shown by the case of Nancy Yung, whose family's efforts epitomize the crucial role relatives play in long-term care.

In Summary

Planning for long-term care is akin to preparing a safety net for retirement, essential for mitigating the impact of rising housing and food costs. TravelCenters of America employees should consult with financial advisors to explore all available options to secure their future financially. This planning is not just about risk management—it's about assisting in a stable and shielded path into retirement.