LTC insurance vs saving the premiums yourself
The fair comparison keeps the care event fixed. Same person, same start age, same duration, same setting, same geography. Only the funding path changes.
The trade
Insurance costs more if care never happens, but can shift more of a long care event away from the portfolio. Saving the same premiums keeps money in the household, but the reserve available at the care date depends on how long you save and how the reserve is modeled.
Elimination periods matter because the household pays before benefits begin. Benefit pools matter because coverage can run out. Inflation riders matter because care costs rise over time. Survivor impact matters because a care event can drain assets before the surviving spouse lives on alone.
Medicaid is separate
Medicaid eligibility and funding are not inferred. RetireRebel includes a Medicaid funding alternative only when confirmed facts or a verified amount have been entered.