Penn Treaty Update: Well, D'Uh edition

Gulp.

Left unsaid in all these reports has been what, exactly, these other carriers are bailing out. Well, thanks to FoIB Jeff M, we learn that at least PT’s agents were on the ball, product-wise:

The terms of the bailout require that all policy provisions remain intact; participating carriers may be on the hook for some big claims, both in terms of benefit amounts and for how long they’ll have to pay them. On the other hand, they plan to somewhat mitigate this exposure with substantial rate hikes.

On the gripping hand, history has shown us that even 40% hikes aren’t enough to scare off most insureds. This, of course, has long been a problem for LTCi: the original models assumed attrition rates matching Disability Insurance plans. Alas, that turned out to be wishful thinking.

And if you’re thinking that PT’s problems are isolated, think again. The folks at Berson-Sokol Agency tell us that TransAmerica is requesting new rate hikes in 38 states.

So if you’re shopping, better sooner than later.