CareMatters II Hybrid Life Insurance with Long-Term Care in SC – Why It’s Smarter Than Self-Funding
- Howard Shanley
- Aug 7
- 4 min read
What if you could protect your retirement savings, preserve your independence, and still get the long-term care you may one day need—without relying on family or draining your nest egg? That’s exactly what "Nationwide’s CareMatters II" hybrid life insurance with long-term care benefits is designed to do. If you're in Upstate South Carolina and exploring smart, flexible ways to plan ahead for care without sacrificing your legacy, this could be one of the most powerful tools available today.
In South Carolina, the cost of long-term care is rising fast — and most families aren’t prepared. That’s where Nationwide's CareMatters II, hybrid life insurance with long-term care, can change the game and help make a huge difference in how and where you will receive care along with helping pay for this care. Did you know that in a recent survey 94% of older americans want to age in place at home, this plan can help you do that.
Instead of crossing your fingers and hoping your savings or CD interest will cover care costs, this unique solution offers guaranteed tax-free benefits that you can use if the need for care ever arises — whether at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing facility.
What Does Long-Term Care Cost in South Carolina?
According to Genworth, here’s the average annual cost for care in SC (2024):
Home health care: $60,000+
Assisted living: $49,000+
Nursing home (private room): $104,000+
Now ask yourself:
Could your savings handle that for 3–5 years? (average long-term care claim is 2.7 years)
Would your retirement or your spouse’s stability survive this?
That’s why more people in Upstate SC — including Pickens, Anderson, Oconee, and Greenville counties — are turning to hybrid life insurance with LTC benefits.
🛡️ What Is CareMatters II Hybrid Life Insurance with Long-Term Care in SC?
CareMatters II by Nationwide is a hybrid life insurance policy designed specifically for people who want long-term care protection without losing their money if they never use it.
You pay a single premium or limited-pay option and get:
Tax-free LTC benefits if you ever need care
A death benefit if you never use the LTC portion
Return of premium options if you cancel the policy early
Unlike traditional Long-Term Care insurance, your benefits with CareMatters II:
✅ Don’t require receipts – No re-imbursement, it pays you, not the care provider
✅ Aren’t “use it or lose it” – your money will always be protected
✅ Can be used however you choose – Pay for a family member to provide care, renovations to your home that you need, food, clothing etc.
Which Way is Best for You? Compare Option 1 vs. Option 2:
CareMatters II vs. Self-Funding – Real Example
Let’s say you’re 60 and want to set aside $100,000 for potential long-term care needs. You could:
Option 1: Self-Fund
Your $100K might grow slowly in CDs or a money market.
But if care costs $60K–$100K/year, that money could be gone in 1–2 years.
No leverage. No death benefit. No protection.
Option 2: CareMatters II
That same $100K could provide $300K–$500K+ in LTC benefits, depending on age/gender.
If care is never needed, your beneficiaries receive a tax-free death benefit.
It’s your money, multiplied and protected. You are taking your money that you would spend on LTC $1 and, turning into $3 to $5 dollars for this care.
Ask yourself these questions:
Would you rather spend $1 for $1 of your money to pay for your care?
Or do you think it would be a better idea to take your $1 and turn that into $3 to $5 to help pay for your Long-Term Care?
Why This Matters for Families in Upstate SC
Many SC families are “asset-rich but income-tight.” They’ve saved for retirement, paid off a home, and want to preserve those savings for their spouse or children. But a single long-term care event could wipe that out and more.
CareMatters II offers peace of mind:
Local care choice and flexibility (You are in charge or your care)
Cash payouts without reimbursement paperwork
A plan that protects both your health and your wealth
And best of all — you’ll be working with a trusted local agency, not an out-of-state call center.
When to Consider CareMatters II
This LTC strategy could be right for you if you:
Are between ages 40–75
Want to protect savings without paying ongoing premiums
Are concerned about becoming a burden on your spouse or children
Have CDs, IRAs, or old life insurance policies you’re not sure what to do with
Want your "Own Care on Your Terms"— not what Medicaid thinks what is best for your care and, where you receive this care
Talk to a Local Expert You Can Trust
At the Shanley Insurance Agency, we’ve been helping families across Pickens, Greenville, Anderson, and Oconee counties protect their future for over 25 years. We specialize in helping clients understand hybrid long-term care strategies like CareMatters II, and how they compare to self-funding.
We’ll explain the benefits clearly, review illustrations, and help you decide what works best for your budget and family goals.
Ready to Learn More? Let’s see if CareMatters II makes sense for your long-term care strategy. 📞 Call (864) 868-5194 or visit our website: shanleyagency.com today. There’s no pressure — we just provide honest advice from a local expert who’s here to help you protect what matters to you most.
This makes a lot of sense. Take my $1 and turn that into $3 to $5 to help provide for care and puts me in charge of how I get care.