About HaskellHarper LLC
My business, Haskell Harper, LLC evolved out of a need to provide a more comprehensive array of consulting services for my clients.
I have been engaged in the Long Term Care industry since 1992, when I consulted with Bell South Retirees in Atlanta GA about their Long Term Care needs. As the head of the Underwriting department at AFLAC US, I designed their first long Term Care Underwriting manual. I was involved in developing new LTC products and providing LTC product and Underwriting training for agents. I joined Cuna Mutual in 2006 and met with credit union members throughout the Carolinas. I have a holistic approach to this process and have incorporated Medicare planning into my practice.
As a former insurance regulator, new business and underwriting manager, and a commissioned sales person, I have a unique perspective concerning audits. Audits should incorporate all aspects of the application process, including sales and regulatory issues. You should be able to inspect what you expect as a manager. There should not be any surprises!
My mother had Vascular Dementia. It is an insidious disease. She did not have Long Term Care Insurance. She told me later that she wished that she had listened to me. While the government statistics state that you are 70% likely to need Long Term Care services before you die, the statistic is misleading. About 20% of Long Term Care events relate to end of life care and short term events. You have a 50% chance of needing to have funds set aside for Long Term Care. It’s worth having a discussion, and assessing your future risk of needing extended care.
Does your existing life insurance portfolio make sense? How long has it been since you reviewed your policies? Can they be leveraged to provide a better benefit at the same or less cost? A thorough independent review and analysis may be worth a small consulting fee.
Credit Unions have a special relationship with their members. Long Term relationships are enhanced by the number of positive touch points with their customers. There is little creativity in the product offerings made to todays’ credit union members. And quite frankly, many of the product offerings are inferior. Would it not be better to provide a superior product offering with less commission income? This requires Credit Union management to shift from their traditional mindset.