MY 94 YR OLD FATHERINLAW HAS TWO POLICIES WITH AF&L INS CO.
SHOULD WE CONTINUE TO PAY PREMIUMS OR IS THIS TANKING?
AT ONE TIME THERE WAS AN OPTION TO STOP PAYMENTS AND THE BENEFITS WOULD THEN BE LIMITED TO DAYS PAID UP TO THAT POINT - IS THIS A SENSIBLE OPTION TO TAKE?
FEES KEEP INCREASING DRAMATICALLY AND SERVICE IS DECREASING TO THE POINT THAT THERE ARE NO AGENTS TO TALK WITH AND THE ONLY SERVICE IS DIRECTLY THRU THE COMPANY
WOULD APPRECIATE ANY AND ALL FEEDBACK
THANKS

Hi John. Without knowing a whole lot more about your dad's overall situation, nobody can give you a firm recommendation. I will, though, share some very generic thoughts on your dilemma.

1) If Dad lapses this coverage, he's never going to get any more, period, because of his age. Even if he were in perfect health, and willing to write huge checks to pay for it, there's not a company out there that will insure a 94 year old.
2) Even if Dad were able to buy anything "new," it would be considerably more expensive, even with the rate increases on his current coverage thrown in.
3) The company isn't one that I would have recommended, but he bought what he bought and you can't change it. It's providing him with some level of protection, more than what he'd have if the coverage went away. If Dad - or the family - can afford to continue paying the premiums without any undue financial strain, then in general I would say keep the coverage.
4) I hate to be morbid, but at worst, you'll be paying this for a few more years. Which would be the bigger mistake - paying it for a few more years and having some protection but never using it, or canceling it tomorrow and him needing care the day after?
5) As far as dealing directly with the company, look at the bright side - if they're still answering the phones, it means the doors are still open, and that they have a legal obligation to pay their claims. Again, this isn't a carrier that I would ever have sold, but it is what it is, and there's no changing it.

Good luck.