Prudential study shows long-term care costs increasing

A new study from Prudential shows average costs for long-term care have increased over the past two years. The study breaks down the results into state-specific data, and an interactive mapping tool is available on the Web site.

"Many Americans mistakenly believe that Medicare or private health insurance will pay for their long-term care needs," said Andy Mako, Prudential's senior vice president, Long-Term Care Insurance. "The reality is long-term care risk is substantial, and under current Medicare and Medicaid policy, much of it is the uninsured private responsibility of individuals who pay for care and of families who care for their relatives."