Tennessee Marks Long-Term Care Awareness Month
The state's insurance department is urging residents to plan for the rising costs of extended care as the population ages.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Financial Planning
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The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance has recognized November as Long-Term Care Awareness Month. The department highlights that someone turning 65 today has almost a 70% chance of needing long-term care services and supports in their remaining years.
Why it matters
Median costs for skilled nursing care rose 7% to 9% in 2024, and long-term care insurance claims have grown by more than 80% since 2015. A long-term care insurance policy can offset future care costs not covered by Medicaid or Medicare.
Roughly 17% of Americans will spend over $100,000 on long-term support services, and almost 9% will spend over $250,000. Long-term care insurance claims reached approximately $17 billion in 2024.
The players
Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance
The state agency that regulates insurance in Tennessee and issued the Long-Term Care Awareness Month recognition.
The details
The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance encourages residents to verify agent licensing through the department's database of insurance agents and brokers. Families with complaints about claim denials, delays, or settlement disputes can file them at tn.gov/insurance under 'File A Complaint.'
Timeline
November 2026: Tennessee TDCI recognizes Long-Term Care Awareness Month.
2024: Median long-term care costs and insurance claims totals reported.
2030: One in five U.S. residents projected to be 65 or older.
2050: Americans needing long-term support projected to reach 27 million.
Financial Planning Outlook
Rising long-term care costs and the projected growth to 27 million Americans needing support by 2050 place increasing pressure on household retirement plans. Long-term care insurance premiums can rise over time, adding a variable that families must account for in their budgets.
Families can compare long-term care insurance options before health declines limit eligibility, since premiums can increase over time. Tennesseans who face a claim denial or settlement dispute can file a complaint with the state insurance department to seek resolution.
The takeaway
Planning for long-term care early can protect retirement savings from costs that Medicaid and Medicare often do not cover. With nearly 70% of today's 65-year-olds likely to need some form of care, reviewing coverage options now helps households prepare.
Further reading
For broader context on preparing for these expenses, explore Financial Planning coverage on Wisevoter.
More information
File a claim-dispute complaint through the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance complaint portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Greeneville Publishing Company.
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Have you made concrete plans to pay for your own future long-term care?
