According to a recent study, just 18% of Baby Boomers are placing a high priority on planning for receiving nursing or long-term care during retirement. Yet, in the same group of people, 45% expected they would need long-term care at some point.

And, even that 45% is low. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that someone turning 65 years old today has an about 70% chance of eventually needing some sort of long-term care.

"Almost paradoxically, two-thirds of the people in the group, 67%, know someone who has required long-term care, and 45% of them currently have experience as a caregiver."

Here's the statistic that alarms us the most... 56% of the respondents believed Medicare will cover ongoing long-term care needs. IT DOES NOT.

So, now for big question... Are your clients being realistic when it comes to planning for their future long-term care needs?

If not, consider using Medicare to open the door to this often difficult topic. Regardless of how Baby Boomers feel about their age ("65 is the new 40"), once their driver's license says 65, they must address this issue. As a result, talking about Medicare (costs, risks, healthcare needs today and into the future, how Medicare does NOT cover long-term care, etc.), can help you address other high-value and potentially not-so-pleasant topics with your clients, such as long-term care.

i65 has put together a guide to help you address other topics of conversation while teaching clients about Medicare. Download this free guide here.