Lincoln Financial Unveils Concerns Around Long-Term Care as Awareness Month Begins
As November marks Long-Term Care Awareness Month, Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE: LNC) has released compelling new data emphasizing the significant anxiety many Americans feel regarding long-term care costs and services. The findings, derived from Lincoln’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker survey conducted in October 2025, reveal both a concerning trend in consumer sentiment and a critical opportunity for financial professionals.
1. Widespread Concern About Long-Term Care Costs
The data indicates that a staggering 82% of respondents are worried about the financial implications of long-term care for themselves or their loved ones. Alarmingly, nearly half of those surveyed—42%—reported being highly concerned about this issue. This widespread apprehension highlights a pressing need for discussions around long-term care planning, yet the data suggests a significant gap in conversations between clients and their financial advisors.
The Communication Gap in Financial Planning
Despite the evident concern among consumers, long-term care remains a topic that is rarely discussed in financial planning sessions. Among those who work with financial professionals, only 21% reported having conversations about long-term care planning. The numbers are even lower for specific topics such as long-term care insurance (just 14%) and elder care planning (7%).
These statistics underscore a critical opportunity for financial professionals to enhance their client relationships by initiating discussions about the financial risks associated with long-term care. While 83% of pre-retiree and retiree clients have engaged in discussions about retirement savings strategies, far fewer have considered how unexpected care costs could disrupt those plans.
2. Urgency for Clients Aged 55 and Older
The need for proactive planning is particularly acute among clients aged 55 and older. Only 10% of this demographic have engaged in comprehensive discussions about preparing for medical expenses in retirement, while nearly half—47%—have not discussed it at all. With one in four adults serving as family caregivers, as reported by the National Alliance for Caregiving, the findings highlight the necessity for financial professionals to bring long-term care planning to the forefront of their discussions.
Empowering Financial Advisors to Act
Jared Nepa, Senior Vice President and Head of Insurance Solutions Distribution at Lincoln Financial, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, “These findings underscore the critical need for financial professionals to proactively raise the topic of long-term care planning. Clients are looking for guidance, and early planning can make all the difference in helping them protect their financial future and maintain control over their care decisions.”
In response to the findings, Lincoln Financial is committed to equipping financial professionals with the necessary resources, education, and solutions to facilitate meaningful conversations about long-term care planning. Their emphasis on proactive engagement aims to help clients safeguard their future, their families, and their choices.
3. Conclusion
As Long-Term Care Awareness Month progresses, Lincoln Financial's insights serve as a wake-up call for both consumers and financial professionals alike. The data highlights a crucial opportunity for advisors to step in and guide their clients through the complexities of long-term care planning, ensuring that financial strategies are robust enough to withstand unexpected medical expenses.
Lincoln Financial’s ongoing commitment to addressing these issues reflects its mission to help individuals confidently plan for a secure financial future, further solidifying its role in the financial services landscape.
For more information on Lincoln Financial's findings and resources, individuals can reach out to their financial professionals or visit LincolnFinancial.com to explore the tools available for long-term care planning.
