Are consumers vulnerable to low knowledge of long-term care?

This study contributes empirical evidence about who is most vulnerable to low knowledge of long-term care (LTC). A random sample of public employees (n = 760) in Minnesota facing decisions about managing the risk of LTC was utilized to examine levels of LTC financial knowledge using written survey methods. Employees scored an average of 69% correct (9 of 13 items) on the true/false quiz designed to measure LTC financial knowledge. Average scores indicated employees were most knowledgeable about concepts related to risk followed by financing alternatives, and least knowledgeable about costs. Multiple regression analyses indicated that employees who had lower incomes, were married, and without living children were more vulnerable to lower overall knowledge. Individual characteristics were significant when examining differences in knowledge about LTC with regard to risk, costs, and financing alternatives. This study has implications for policymakers and practitioners being asked to identify and implement appropriate strategies to improve LTC financial literacy.