AHIP (America’s Health Insurance Plans) has just released the results of a new study that shows despite the fact that more than 75 percent of women believe they will need long-term care, only 19 percent currently have a long-term care policy. Only about five percent of the U.S. population over the age of 45 have long-term care insurance, suggesting that many of the women surveyed have a false sense of protection against the cost of long-term care.

AHIP commissioned the study to determine opinions on their financial situation, knowledge of long-term care insurance and the impact of the economy on their finances. The study shows of those women who do not have LTCI, 27 percent believe they are covered under their current insurance policy, and 24 percent are unsure whether their policies provide coverage.

Many women do not feel prepared for retirement, are worried about their finances and are not confident with the steps they have taken to prepare for retirement. Only 35 percent of women have actively thought and planned for long-term care.

This is a very illuminating study and you can read the full report here.