Blunt encourages Missourians to plan ahead

“Long-term-care needs are best met when they are planned for ahead of time,” Blunt said in a news release. “This campaign encourages increased planning and personal responsibility so Missourians can make the best use of their hard-earned money to take control of their future long-term-care needs.”

Blunt is reaching out to residents who are between the ages of 45 and 65 to promote awareness of long-term care needs and encourage people to order a free Long-Term Care Planning Kit, which features information about long-term care insurance, financial planning, legal issues and future living and care options. The kits are available at www.ownyourfuture.mo.gov.

Earlier this year, Blunt signed legislation that will help Missourians keep more of their earnings and encourage more people to plan for their future by allowing them to deduct 100 percent of the cost of long-term care insurance. Previously, only 50 percent of those costs were deductible.

Missouri has joined the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to encourage Missourians to start planning and preparing for their long-term care needs. Missouri was chosen by HHS as the 16th state to participate in the campaign, and town-hall meetings are being held throughout the state.