Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Last reviewed: May 2026
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM Β· Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon Β· Last reviewed: April 2026 Β· Editorial Policy
The most important clinical decision with Is Long Term Care Insurance Worth It Interview With Dan Tripp isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Quick Answer
Is Long Term Care Insurance Worth It? [Interview with Dan Tr relates to foot pain β typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Hills: (810) 206-1402.
β Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist Β· Last updated April 6, 2026
Is Long Term Care Insurance Worth It? [Interview with Dan Tripp]
Is Long Term Care Insurance Worth It? [Interview with Dan Tripp] πIs Long-Term Care Insurance Worth It? We interview Insurance specialist Dan Tripp in the Metro Detroit area regarding long-term care insurance.π What Are the Odds of needing long term care insurance? According to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance: “The lifetime probability of becoming disabled in at least two activities of daily living or being cognitively impaired is 68% for people age 65 and older.” Is long-term care insurance worth it? It is wise to look at the statistics, but your odds are zero or 100%. So basically, if you need it, it is an amazing deal; if you don’t, it is a horrible deal. You either will need care, or you will not. If you need care for more than four or five months, you will be glad you have long-term care insurance. It is worth having if you use it because you would essentially be paying a very small amount for, on average, $5,000 to $6,000 per year. Should you get long-term care insurance? Long-term care insurance allows you to maintain your independence and afford quality care. It also helps reduce the financial and psychological stress a long-term care event can impose on your family. The cons are the cost of the premiums. Whether you buy insurance or not, you want a plan in place so that you and your family know what to do if you need care. That plan involves talking to family and friends about their ability to help if and when help is needed. You may also want to consider alternatives to long-term care insurance, such as making arrangements to live with family or friends or moving into a continuing care community. Get Home Care Assistance in Michigan with Assisting Hands Home Care:Assisting Hands Michiganπ– Shoes –π Our Recommended Shoes:
Podiatrist Recommended ShoesOur Recommended Products: https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/recommended-foot-doctor-products/// π’See a Physician!π’ See a Physician if you have a health issue. This information is NOT specific to your medical problem. If in Michigan, consider seeing us:
Assisting Hands MichiganDirections: https://g.page/r/Ca4Dg-JS_3XPEAE π– LINKS –π (With some links, we use affiliate links and may earn a commission. Check with your doctor before using any product!) π’Disclaimer:π’ This video and description contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click on one of the product links. Thank you for your support of this channel! This is opinion only: Do not consider this video as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for the viewer or reader. We strongly urge you to contact your physician with any questions regarding your medical condition. If you have an emergency, call 911 immediately or see your physician. Do not allow this information to let you disregard your professional’s medical advice or delay seeking information from this content. Do not rely on information provided by this general education video. Healthcare practitioners: The content here is for education purposes only. The authors have done their best to provide the most up-to-date evidence-based information, but this content should definitely not be considered any type of medical standard. It does not reflect individual practices in other geographic areas. This is strictly for medical education purposes only, and it is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. The information in these videos is the author’s opinion and is not an official opinion of any organizations that the authors may be a part of. The authors or speakers are not associated with any of the above products.
Getting Expert Foot and Ankle Care in Michigan: Balance Foot & Ankle
Michigan patients with any foot or ankle concern — from chronic pain and structural deformity to wound care, nail problems, and sports injuries — can receive expert podiatric evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our fellowship-trained podiatric surgeons provide the full spectrum of podiatric care, combining conservative and surgical options tailored to each patient’s specific diagnosis, activity level, and treatment goals. We are in-network with major Michigan insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and most Medicare Advantage plans. Both of our Michigan offices — Howell at 4330 E Grand River (serving Livingston County) and Bloomfield Hills at 43494 Woodward Ave #208 (serving Oakland County and northern Metro Detroit) — offer same-week new patient appointments, in-office digital X-ray, and dedicated parking. Michigan patients ready to address their foot or ankle problem can call (810) 206-1402 to schedule with Balance Foot & Ankle.
Related Treatment Guides
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
- Custom 3D Orthotics
- Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
- Bunion Treatment
Medical References & Sources
- American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
Get Directions →
Bloomfield Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Get Directions →
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentPros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- β Conservative care first
- β Same-week appointments
- β Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- β Self-treatment can mask issues
- β See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Hoka Bondi 9 Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Max cushion daily wear
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Hills. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today β Same-Day Appointments Available
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM Β· Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM Β· Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS Β· Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 Β· 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Hours: MonβFri 8:00 AM β 5:00 PM Β· (810) 206-1402
Get Expert Help at Balance Foot & Ankle
If this condition is affecting your daily activities or hasn’t improved with home treatment, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Tom Biernacki. We offer same-day appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills locations and accept most insurance including Medicare. Most patients are walking comfortably within 4-6 weeks of starting our protocol β conservative care first, surgery only when needed.
Call (248) 337-5500 or request an appointment online. Our team responds within 1 business hour during clinic days.
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle β Same-Day Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Hills. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.
Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel
Natural topical pain relief I use in our clinic. Arnica + camphor formula β apply directly to the area 3β4x daily. ($20β25)
Shop Doctor Hoy’s →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a podiatrist?
If symptoms persist past 2 weeks, affect your normal activity, or are accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, redness, swelling, inability to bear weight).
What does treatment cost?
Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Out-of-pocket costs vary by your specific plan.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Most non-urgent cases see us within 5 business days. Urgent cases (sudden pain, possible fracture) typically same or next business day.
Ready for Expert Care?
Same-day appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI.
4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.


