LTC
As of 4/30/2026
Long-term care – State legislative and regulatory updates
What is it?
As the population in the United States continues to experience increased longevity, the nation will see about 4 million Americans turning 65 every year.1 With this increased lifespan comes the rising need for long-term care.
Carrie Hartgen, Vice President of State Government Relations at Lincoln Financial, continues to keep us up to date on legislative and regulatory activity affecting long-term care.
The current regulatory landscape
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) continues to make long-term care a top regulatory priority. A key initiative driving this focus is the Multistate Actuarial Review Framework, which is designed to bring consistency to rate reviews across states and ensure consumers have meaningful options.
Legislative updates by state
Across the country, the long-term care legislative landscape is active and evolving:
- Washington's WA Cares Fund reached a significant milestone this year, now actively paying benefits to individuals — a first for any state-run long-term care initiative.
- New proposals have emerged in Hawaii and Illinois, each exploring payroll-funded models to address the growing need for long-term care coverage.
- In New Jersey, legislators have taken a measured first step by launching a formal study of long-term care solutions.
- California remains in a holding pattern as the state continues to navigate budget constraints that have stalled its long-term care program development.
What does it mean to financial professionals?
Understanding the various products that offer long-term care protection is essential for financial professionals who want to serve customers effectively. As new state programs are proposed and enacted, and federal involvement in long-term care is examined, understanding the options for Americans who inquire about long-term care protection is an important way to serve clients and build a business.
What does it mean to Lincoln?
Lincoln’s Government Affairs team continues to monitor proposed changes surrounding the long-term care issue at the federal and state level. We remain committed to helping our financial professional partners understand the latest changes on long-term care regulations and requirements and navigate long-term care products and services that help clients make informed and proactive decisions regarding their own long-term care.