The Prudential Insurance Co. of America has launched an educational center on its Web site that offers consumers information about potential long term care needs.

The center leads consumers through a variety of topics, including a detailed look at the costs of long term care and the funding options available. The site uses case studies, quizzes, statistics, personal stories, and a glossary of terms to highlight the factors consumers should consider when deciding whether to purchase long term care insurance.

"We recognize long term care insurance is not for everyone," says Gail Holubinka, the center's director. "We offer a straightforward review of the suitability and affordability of the product."

The learning center allows visitors to download free educational brochures on long term care, including those geared toward women, adult children who care for their parents, and those who want to learn more about the costs of private insurance.

The number of long term care insurance policies sold in the last 10 years has more than tripled, from 1.9 million in 1990 to 6 million in 2000, making it one of the fastest-growing types of health insurance sold, according to a 2000 study by the Health Insurance Association of America (HIAA).