Illustration: Wife Sells $2M Policy to Fund Memory Care
With memory care costs exceeding $12,000 a month, a 74-year-old woman sold her husband's $2M whole life policy — securing over a year of premium care for her Alzheimer's-diagnosed spouse from an asset she was about to abandon.
Hypothetical illustration. Names, figures, and details are illustrative. Individual results vary.
The Situation
Eleanor (name changed) was a 74-year-old retired teacher in Scottsdale, Arizona. Her husband of 47 years had been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's, and their memory care facility was billing $12,500 per month.
Within months, their savings were depleted. Eleanor's financial advisor noticed a $2 million whole life policy in their portfolio — one taken out decades ago and nearly forgotten. The insurer quoted a $31,000 cash surrender value.
After a referral to Accelerated Life Solutions, Eleanor discovered her husband's policy qualified for a life settlement. According to LIMRA's life insurance research, the vast majority of policyholders who surrender policies never explore the secondary market — often leaving tens of thousands of dollars behind.
"I was about to surrender the policy for $31,000. Instead I received $187,000. That's over a year of my husband's care that I wouldn't have had."
— Eleanor, Scottsdale AZ, Age 74
How It Happened
Advisor Referral
Eleanor's financial advisor identified the $2M whole life policy during a portfolio review and referred the case to Accelerated Life Solutions for secondary market evaluation.
Policy & Medical Review
We completed a full policy review and coordinated with Eleanor's medical providers to assemble a comprehensive life expectancy report for prospective buyers.
Competitive Bid Process
The case was presented simultaneously to 11 licensed institutional buyers. The competitive process drove a final offer well above the insurer's CSV.
Funds Released
Eleanor received $187,000 in net proceeds, which were immediately redirected to an escrow account to fund ongoing memory care costs for her husband.
Key Outcomes
Could You Qualify?
Long-term care costs are one of the most common reasons seniors explore life settlements. If a spouse or family member requires ongoing care, an existing life insurance policy may be a source of funds worth evaluating, depending on the policy and the insured's health.
- You are 65 or older
- Premiums have become difficult to afford
- Your coverage needs have changed
- The policy is at risk of lapsing
- You need funds for healthcare or retirement income
According to LIMRA's insurance research, millions of Americans hold life insurance policies they no longer need or can no longer afford, making them strong candidates for a life settlement.
Go deeper: funding long-term care via life settlement.
Not every policy qualifies for a life settlement. Eligibility and outcomes depend on policy characteristics, insured health, premiums, underwriting, and market conditions. Read the life insurance policy review guide.
Learn more about life settlement eligibility requirements or use our free policy value calculator to get an illustrative estimate.
Case study FAQ
Is this life settlement case study a real transaction?
This case study is a hypothetical illustration based on the types of situations Accelerated Life Solutions reviews. Names and figures are illustrative, and individual results vary.
Could a similar life insurance policy qualify for a life settlement?
Not every policy qualifies for a life settlement. Eligibility and outcomes depend on policy characteristics, insured health, premiums, underwriting, and market conditions. A free, confidential evaluation from Accelerated Life Solutions shows whether a specific policy may have secondary-market value.
How long does a life settlement like this take?
Qualified submissions may receive a preliminary valuation within approximately 24 hours after sufficient initial information has been received. Overall timeline varies with underwriting complexity, documentation availability, buyer requirements, and carrier processing. Estimated closing and funding timelines are communicated as the transaction progresses. No fixed completion date is guaranteed.
How is the life settlement broker paid?
Broker compensation is determined case by case, considering the circumstances and economics of each transaction, and is always disclosed before the transaction is finalized. Compensation is structured to support successful transactions while staying transparent with the appropriate parties. Applicable compensation and transaction costs are disclosed in accordance with governing state laws and transaction documentation.
Hypothetical illustration. Names, figures, and details are illustrative. Individual results vary. Not every policy qualifies for a life settlement. Eligibility and outcomes depend on policy characteristics, insured health, premiums, underwriting, and market conditions.