Changing American Households Create New Insurance Implications

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Sept. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly half of adults in their 40s and 50s have a parent age 65 or older and are either raising a young child or financially supporting an adult child.¹ These baby boomers and members of Generation X are feeling the pressure of empty-nest reversal from boomerangs – adult children returning home to live – and live-in elders – seniors trading their current home for a loved one's spare bedroom. In addition to negotiating cooking and cleaning responsibilities, John M. Huff, president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), encourages families to make sure everyone understands how a change in address might affect insurance needs.

"Longer life spans, decisions to marry later and the tight job market have changed the landscape for many middle-aged adults, who now share their homes with family members across generations," said Huff, who also serves as the Missouri Insurance Director. "When there is an increased headcount under your roof, there are likely new insurance implications. Reviewing Insure U tips and tools now can help consumers avoid costly mistakes later."

Aging Relatives

For seniors, moving in with an adult child out of necessity can be uncomfortable. Before the first box is packed, parent and child need to talk about finances, including insurance.

Consider the following questions:

• Are you current on health, auto and life insurance premium payments?
• Are you covered by Medicare?
• Is long-term care insurance something we should look into?
• What are your end-of-life wishes?

This level of detail will help both parties decide what changes, if any, need to be made to existing coverage. Most importantly, seek to make your loved one feel cared about, not cared for.

Boomerang Kids

For the first time in more than 130 years, adults 18-34 years old are more likely to be living with their parents than in any other scenario — including living with a spouse or partner, other family or friends or alone.² Experts say hosting an adult child can cost between $8,000 and $18,000 per year.³

Before welcoming an adult child back home, set clear expectations:

• How will health insurance be covered? Who will pay for what?
• Will we combine auto policies? How will driving records affect premiums?
• What belongings are you bringing? Will expensive items items such as electronics or sporting equipment increase homeowners insurance premiums?

To avoid misunderstandings, the NAIC developed the Welcome Home contract. In addition to outlining basic rules of adult co-habitation, the document places under signature key insurance-related agreements between adult child and parent.

For insurance tips to help modern households of all shapes and sizes including baby boomers, same-sex couples, single parents, millennials and more, visit InsureUonline.org. For insurance information specific to where you live, contact your state insurance commissioner.

Sources

¹ Pew Research Center

² Pew Research Center

³ The Wall Street Journal

ABOUT NAIC

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is the U.S. standard-setting and regulatory support organization created and governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Through the NAIC, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer review and coordinate their regulatory oversight. NAIC staff supports these efforts and represents the collective views of state regulators domestically and internationally. NAIC members, together with the central resources of the NAIC, form the national system of state-based insurance regulation in the U.S. For more information, visit www.naic.org.

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SOURCE National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)

Related Links

http://www.naic.org