June 26, 2015, Los Angeles, CA -   The rate for a home health aide averages $21 an hour according to the latest report published by the American Association for Long Term Care Insurance.

"When it comes to long term care, the vast majority of care is provided in the home," explains Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Long Term Care Insurance (AALTCI).  The national organization included costs for home care services, assisted living community and skilled nursing home care as part of the 2015 Sourcebook for Long Term Care Insurance Information.

"Just over half of all long term care insurance claims start with the policyholder receiving care at home," Slome notes.    "First, that's where most of us would prefer to be as opposed to a nursing home setting and the insurance policy benefits make it possible for people to get that needed care at home."

According to the AALTCI report, costs for home care services have remained relatively stable over the past few years.  "People buying long term care insurance today need to understand that having insurance that pays some but not all of the cost is a prudent way to plan," Slome shares.  "It's also a way to make this protection very affordable, with a 55-year old paying around $100-to-$130 a month for protection."

Slome advocates the 'Good Better Best approach to long term care insurance planning.  The Association offers free access to a video explain how to reduce the cost.  The videos can be found at www.aaltci.org/videos.

Consumers interested in no obligation long term care insurance cost comparisons can call the organization at 818-597-3227 or visit the AALTCI website.