Disability & Long-Term CareQuestion 315 of 315

Which statement BEST distinguishes 3% SIMPLE versus 5% COMPOUND inflation-protection riders on a long-term care insurance policy?

a.Both simple and compound inflation riders produce identical benefit amounts after 20 years
b.Simple inflation riders are required by California; compound inflation riders are prohibited
c.Simple inflation riders generally produce LARGER long-term benefit growth than compound
d.A 3% SIMPLE inflation rider increases the daily benefit by 3% of the ORIGINAL benefit each year (linear growth), while a 5% COMPOUND inflation rider increases by 5% of the PRIOR YEAR'S benefit each year (exponential growth); over a 20-30 year horizon, the 5% compound rider produces substantially LARGER benefit growth and is the standard required for California Partnership LTC qualification (under California Insurance Code §10232.9 and Welf. & Inst. Code §22009 et seq.)

Explanation

Inflation-protection riders are critical to long-term care insurance because LTC costs have historically risen 4-5% per year and benefits paid 20+ years after purchase can otherwise become inadequate. A SIMPLE inflation rider applies the percentage to the ORIGINAL daily benefit each year — linear growth: a $200/day benefit with 3% simple becomes $260 after 10 years and $320 after 20. A COMPOUND inflation rider applies the percentage to the PRIOR YEAR's benefit — exponential growth: a $200/day benefit with 5% compound becomes about $326 after 10 years and about $531 after 20. California Insurance Code §10232.9 requires LTC insurers to OFFER 5% compound inflation, and California Partnership for Long-Term Care policies generally REQUIRE 5% compound for buyers under age 70. Options A, B, and C are factually incorrect.

Law Reference: California Insurance Code §10232.9 (LTC inflation protection); §10350 et seq. (DI)

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