Genworth Life Insurance dropped a bombshell when it proposed a jaw-dropping 233% rate hike for its long-term care insurance policies. That’s right, 233%. In Maine, regulators pulled the brakes—chopping that monster hike down to 76%. But let’s get real: a jump like that still hurts. And if you’re thinking this is just a Maine thing, think again. Genworth’s campaign for higher premiums is nationwide—with hundreds of hikes already stamped “approved.”
Between 2021 and 2023, Genworth scored the green light for 429 rate increase requests across the country. The average increase in 2023? A hefty 51%. But wait, there’s more. They’ve got 144 more requests lined up, waiting for the nod. The hike you get depends on where your policy was issued, not where you live now. So even if you moved to Florida for the sunshine, if your policy was sold in Maine, you’re stuck with Maine’s rates.
What Does This Mean for Policyholders?
If you’re already a Genworth customer, buckle up. This isn’t just for new sign-ups—it’s about all those folks who already counted on their coverage. Genworth isn’t targeting people one by one. They bump up premiums for big blocks of existing policies. You get hit if you’re in the group—period. “Guaranteed renewable” sounds good, right? It is…unless premiums go up. They can’t cancel your plan if you pay, but they sure can (and do) adjust the cost.
Worried about forking out more cash? You’ve got moves, but none are painless. Pay the new, higher premium and keep your coverage as-is. Or, trim your daily benefit or shorten your coverage period to lower the bill. Still too much? You can walk away and take a paid-up, smaller policy based on what you’ve already shelled out. Pick your poison.
Why Is This Happening?
The big picture? Long-term care costs are going wild—everywhere, not just in Maine. More people are holding onto their policies than Genworth ever planned for. Good if you love your coverage, bad news for insurers—because their payouts keep soaring. Premium pools start running dry, and insurers have to fill the gap. That’s what’s fueling all these requests. If they don’t get the hikes, there’s real risk—a company could sink. No insurer wants to be the next Penn Treaty. Neither do regulators. So, there’s pressure to approve at least some increases—just not always at the sky-high level Genworth wants.
Industry Trends Painting the Future
So, what’s around the corner? Long-term care insurance is at a crossroads. Boomers are retiring fast, and the costs to care for them keep climbing. Demand is through the roof. But as premiums climb, fewer people can afford policies. Insurance companies? Some are bailing out. Others—like Genworth—keep knocking on state doors, rate filings in hand.
In some states, regulators say yes. In others, Genworth is even going to court to fight for higher rates. It’s a scramble, and nobody feels safe—neither the companies nor the folks relying on these policies.
Will Innovations Step Up?
Is there a hero here? Maybe. Technology is making some headway—AI, data analytics, better cost estimates. Home-based care is getting more popular (and cheaper), shifting some risk off insurers. Still, experts say the system cries out for public-private solutions, Medicaid tweaks, or new models entirely.
But let’s not sugarcoat it. Even with all those ideas, the affordability gap is widening. Millions of seniors can barely keep up as rates spike 50%, 76%, or more. And with so many pending hikes waiting for approval, there’s no sign the tide is turning.
What’s Next for Policyholders?
Current Genworth customer? Wherever your policy was first issued, that’s the rulebook for any new increases. Time to dig into your options. Have that talk with your family and advisor. Tweaking coverage—like extending your elimination period or dropping nonessential add-ons—could give your wallet a little relief.
But here’s the kicker: long-term care coverage is not getting cheaper. If things don’t shift soon, we’re racing toward a future where most Americans are priced out altogether. That’s the nightmare scenario—spending down your savings, crossing fingers for Medicaid, or just hoping you won’t need care at all.
No easy answers. The industry needs change, and fast. Because everyone’s getting older. And, more than ever, everybody needs a plan. Got coverage? Look at your paperwork. Don’t put it off until those premium hike letters hit your mailbox.