About Suzanne
I’m Suzanne Scheer. I became passionate about long-term care planning after an eight-year journey caring for my parents while raising my young son. I saw firsthand how a long-term care insurance policy eased my father’s situation and how the lack of coverage burdened my mother. That experience changed the course of my career. Today, I help families and individuals prepare with confidence.
Long-Term Care Insurance Basics
Why It Matters
An extended care event is the biggest threat to a well-planned retirement. It doesn’t just affect finances — it impacts families emotionally and physically. Having a plan provides freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind. Could you afford to pay $5,000 or more per month for that care?
Who It’s For
Long-term care planning isn’t just for the elderly. One-third of claims are from people under 65, often due to accidents or illnesses. Imagine breaking both legs while skiing and needing help just to get out of bed. How would you pay $5,000 or more per month for that care?
What It Is
Long-term care is custodial care — help with everyday activities like bathing, dressing, or eating — not medical care covered by Medicare or health insurance. Long-term care insurance provides significant leverage and is a dedicated, tax-free source of funds to help cover these costs.
Options That Fit
There’s no one-size-fits-all policy. Your health, age and assets help determine if insurance is right for you and, if so, which path is best.
TRADITIONAL
(INSURANCE ONLY)
ASSET-BASED
(HYBRID)
Insurance Only
No cash value; no death benefits - "Use it or Lose it"
Greater Flexibility
The policy is an asset, with cash value. Funds are available if care is needed, a death benefit if it isn’t
Best Bang For Your Buck
The most amount of coverage for the least amount of money
Reposition Assets
Pay all at once or over time. Can fund with retirement funds, Inherited IRAs, cash value from insurance policies or annuities
Premiums Not Level
Premiums will most likely increase
Premiums Guaranteed Level
Even when paying over time
Common Misconceptions
Long-term care insurance is often misunderstood. Clearing up a few common misconceptions can make the choices much clearer.
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Medicare covers long-term care. (It doesn’t, beyond short-term rehab.)
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Long-term care means nursing homes. (Most people receive care at home.)
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I’m healthy, I’ll never need it. (Health can change suddenly.)
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I can self-fund. (Wealth doesn’t prevent care from draining assets quickly.)
Your Path to a Plan
Getting started doesn’t have to feel complicated. We’ll take it one step at a time, and I’ll guide you through each stage so you always know what comes next.
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Education — I’ll explain what long-term care insurance is, how it works, and what today’s options look like.
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Assessment — Together we’ll review your health and financial picture to see if insurance makes sense and if so, what your options are.
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Design — I’ll present different approaches and work with you to shape a plan that fits your goals and budget.
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Application — I’ll walk you through the paperwork and manage the details so the process feels seamless.
