Is Long Term Care Still an Option?

Long term care has long been an important issue that needs to be addressed and has been debated many times.  With Medicare and Medicaid systems under so much financial strain and with proposals in the works for revisions and provisions, it seems that Congress on both sides of the aisles is grappling with the issue of Long Term Care funding.

This is a serious issue, as it affects millions of individuals and their families and over 10 million individuals who are living at home and receiving services in there homes and in the community.  These people need assistance and services and are normally on a very limited income, being cared for by family and friends.  They are often in situations where they are trying to stay at home and in the community in which they live, receiving their supports there, rather than ending up in an assisted living or long term care facility.

It has been shown that when a person can stay in the community and in familiar surroundings receiving long-term supports that is the best situation for them if their situation and condition permits.  Congress – and other organizations – is looking further into the cost savings and health effects of helping people stay in the community vs. a healthcare facility.  There are various studies that have taken place and are taking place – especially in the recent past and currently – trying to determine to continue to fund the essential service of long term care. 

With Congress presently looking at ways to buy time so that Bush Medicare cuts – which affect Medicaid drastically – won’t take place immediately, there is a good chance to work on long term care issues at the same time.

In the meantime, if you are dealing with long term care issues, be sure to keep current with what is happening.  For current information you can log into www.CMS.gov.