BANKERS URGES AMERICANS TO MAKE THEIR VOICES HEARD ON LONG-TERM HEALTH CARE

CHICAGO (September 19, 2005) - Bankers Life and Casualty Company wants Americans to make their wishes known on the subject of long-term care. The life and health insurer is joining the grassroots Long-Term Care Champions Network, a project of Americas Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), to focus public and legislative attention on the issue.

"There is enormous need for affordable long-term health care and long-term care insurance has a role to play in making it accessible to most people," said Bankers Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Scott Perry. He points out that the cost of long-term health care continues to rise and most American families simply can't meet a $70,000 annual bill for home or nursing home care.

Through the Champions Network, members hope to gain the attention of Congress and advocate for change. AHIP says the network, founded in 2004, already has over 1,000 members including policyholders, agents, employees, caregivers and families of those in need.

"Congress can take action in several ways. Tax breaks for people who purchase long-term care coverage would be one way," Perry said.

"Making long-term care coverage more accessible to the average person, will go a long way toward alleviating the difficulties that states face in paying for Medicaid for their citizens. There is no reason an American should have to spend down his or her assets to qualify for Medicaid just to get the care they need. We can and should address this through a public-private partnership with Congress and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services leading the way and the insurance community supporting their efforts," he said.

Bankers is encouraging its policyholders and agents to join the coalition through a series of communications. The intention is to create a diverse group of advocates for long-term care insurance. AHIP provides additional resources and can be contacted at www.ltcchampions.org.

Established in 1879 in Chicago, Bankers Life and Casualty Company focuses exclusively on the financial security needs of seniors. The company, a subsidiary of Conseco, Inc., offers a broad portfolio of health and life insurance and retirement savings products designed especially for seniors. Visit us online at www.bankers.com.

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