Why Isn’t Financial Security Part Of The Political Discussion?

Two weeks ago I listened in, if only fleetingly, on the Republican National Convention. But nary a word was uttered about life and disability insurance, long-term care, retirement funding and a coherent long-term plan to tackle longevity risk.

This week, at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, the Democrats didn’t have much to add.

I can’t say I was surprised. Specific topics about funding life and disability policies and long-term care aren’t usually at the top of the convention agenda.

But among the A-listers and the reintroduction of Hillary Clinton by former president Bill Clinton, one group caught my eye: Mothers of the Movement.

Those were the mothers, nine of them in all, who suffered unimaginable pain with the loss of their children to gun violence.

Each of their children took “permanent leave from this earth,” in the words of Geneva Reed-Veal, the mother of Sandra Bland.

Some of victims, like Bland, died in police custody. Others died at the hands of senseless brutes acting as if they were playing a video game.

Did the victims have life insurance? (Probably not.) Were these grieving mothers covered for disability insurance? (Maybe.) Did these families sacrifice still more in helping their elders with long-term care needs? (Probably.)

I would have loved to hear from these mothers about where they stood regarding life, disability, long-term care and health insurance. (It’s a good bet Eva Longoria is plenty insured.)

What were their stories? Did they get turned down for coverage? How much coverage does Reed-Veal have on her life? Is Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin, insured through the federal health care exchange?

Does Lucia McBath, mother of 17-year-old Jordan Davis, who was shot simply for being in a car with loud music, have an investment advisor?

We’re still waiting for the day when both parties invite Americans to open up about their life insurance coverage.

Certainly, there has been precedent for bringing protection issues to light in the past.

At the height of the health insurance crisis, I remember people speaking about the difficulty of obtaining primary medical coverage and how applicants were turned down for pre-existing conditions.

Candidates have talked about income inequality and party boosters yelled loudly about protecting physical space – national borders, homes, public venues.

How is it that parties remain so mute when it comes to protecting income, mental well-being and the means to provide?

Both parties seemed to be on the same page in keeping Medicare and Social Security from which further discussion about protection and longevity usually springs forth. But as for any substantive discussion to the challenge of longevity … I’m still waiting.

InsuranceNewsNet Senior Writer Cyril Tuohy has covered the financial services industry for more than 15 years. Cyril may be reached at cyril.tuohy@innfeedback.com.
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