June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness around cognitive health and...
June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, and it’s a powerful reminder that life doesn’t always go according to plan. Cognitive decline doesn’t just impact memory, it affects families, finances, and independence. That’s why more people are turning to life insurance with living benefits as part of a smart long-term planning strategy.
These modern policies do more than just provide a death benefit. They can help pay for care while you're still living, especially if you’re diagnosed with a chronic or cognitive condition like Alzheimer’s or dementia.
What Are Living Benefits in Life Insurance?
Living benefits are policy features that allow you to access a portion of your life insurance payout while you’re still alive if you meet certain health criteria.
Common riders include:
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Chronic Illness Rider – Pays out if you’re unable to perform at least two Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) or are diagnosed with severe cognitive impairment.
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Critical Illness Rider – Covers specific serious illnesses like heart attack, stroke, or cancer.
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Terminal Illness Rider – Allows early access if your life expectancy is 12–24 months or less.
These benefits can be used for:
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Long-term care services
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Memory care or assisted living
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Medical bills and home modifications
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Replacing lost income due to illness
How It Helps with Alzheimer’s and Brain Health
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can mean years of progressive decline and increasing costs. While traditional long-term care insurance may be one option, many people don’t qualify later in life.
Life insurance with a chronic illness rider offers another layer of protection:
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It provides financial support during your lifetime
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It helps offset the cost of care related to cognitive decline
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It allows you to use the benefit when you need it most, not just after death
And unlike traditional long-term care insurance, you don’t “lose” the benefit if you never use it. If the living benefit isn’t triggered, your loved ones still receive the full death benefit.
Who Should Consider It?
Adults between ages 30–65 planning for future health risks
People with a family history of Alzheimer’s or dementia
Anyone wanting to combine life insurance with care planning
Business owners, caregivers, and breadwinners who want peace of mind
These policies are typically available through term or permanent life insurance options, and some may not require full medical underwriting if added at the time of application.
When to Apply
Just like long-term care planning, the earlier, the better.
Living benefits riders must be added when your policy is issued and cannot be added later. And once a cognitive condition is diagnosed, eligibility may be limited.
Final Thoughts
As we recognize Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, it’s time to think beyond “what happens if I die?” and start asking, “What happens if I live, but can’t care for myself?”
Life insurance with living benefits bridges that gap. It’s a flexible, compassionate way to plan for the what ifs, while still protecting your family’s future.
Let’s Talk About a Smarter Kind of Protection
Want a life insurance policy that can support you in life, not just in death?
Let’s explore your options together.
Schedule your free consultation now
