Delaware announced it is creating an Office of Long-Term Care Insurance to help consumers identify services and coverage options offered in plans, determine waiting periods and total costs, explain and confirm premium increases, and verify insurance company licenses.

According to a report from AM Best, the new division will be part of the Delaware Department of Insurance and will be staffed by employees from the department. Earlier this month, more than 25 employees from the department completed a half-day training program on long-term care insurance assistance.

Delaware Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro said these types of policies are “increasingly confusing and complex,” highlighting the need for the new unit.

The regulator noted the complexity of these plans, particularly the ability of long-term care insurers to offer reduced benefit options to offset premium growth. These options could include reducing daily, weekly or monthly benefit amounts, extending exclusion periods, and reducing inflation protection.

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Navarro said increased outreach from residents has demonstrated the need for support for long-term care insurance. He compared the new unit to the department’s dedicated teams for home and auto insurance, health coverage and Medicare assistance.

Consumers will be able to contact LTCI staff by phone, email or in-person events, said Christina Haas, senior policy counsel for the Insurance Department.

Haas emphasized the “no wrong door” approach and proactive advocacy, noting that Medicare Help Desk staff can inquire whether consumers also need help securing long-term care during their counseling sessions.

The new unit will not engage in regulatory activities; the pricing, models, market behavior and legal departments will continue to handle their functions dedicated to the long-term care insurance market.

Improving communication with consumers could lead to contacting these teams if cases require relevant reviews, Haas said.

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