Changes in federal law that took effect Jan. 1 could make it cheaper for families to hedge their bets when it comes to long-term-care insurance. When it comes to long-term-care insurance, families generally fall into two camps: They’re either afraid to let their elders go without it, or they’re afraid to spend their savings on steep premiums. Changes in federal law that took effect Jan. 1 could make it cheaper for both groups to hedge their bets.