These policies offer high LTC benefit limits, up to $1 million of coverage with full underwriting or $400,000 with “simplified” underwriting.

These highly customizable plans used to be difficult to enroll because paper applications and on-site enrollment meetings were required. Today, with e-applications, webinars and on-demand educational tools, employees can select and view plans on their terms.

After they've done a little research, they can then consult with call centers staffed with LTC planning specialists who can walk them through the buying process in a low-sales pressure environment. Additionally, these experts can help with spouse/partner enrollments as well.

What group can be expected to buy LTC insurance? The most likely candidates are highly educated boomer employees and executives who have assets to protect. There is a strong correlation between 401(k) participation and the purchase of LTC insurance. People over the age of 40 with incomes above $50,000 and 401(k) balances above $100,000 are the target market. Expect forward-thinking employers and benefit brokers to use these buyer characteristics to make targeted offerings to this group, and expect that private health care exchanges will also have plan options available.

What about younger or less affluent employees who may not be interested in the pure protection of traditional LTC? The good news is several worksite carriers offer universal life insurance with LTC riders. These products allow the underinsured and those with a lack of savings to do three things: Protect families against the cost of a premature death; build up cash-value life insurance; and provide meaningful living benefits if LTC needs strike early.

Finally, it's the age of specialization. There are several group LTC experts who do a great job of partnering with employers and benefit brokers to create a custom plan of LTC protection. And, like any other benefit option, it can be tweaked on a periodic basis to use the latest and greatest insurance products.