February 24, 2021
NEW REPORT CALLS FOR UNIVERSAL COVERAGE OF LONG-TERM CARE FOR OLDER ADULTS IN U.S.
The COVID-19 pandemic’s heavy toll on older Americans highlights the need to strengthen the nation’s safety net for people in need of long-term services and supports, according to an Oregon Health & Science University researcher in a new report published by Milbank Quarterly.
The report proposes a system of universal coverage to support the long-term care of all older Americans.
“This approach would protect against financial catastrophe and end the current system that is based on the need to be financially destitute in order to access coverage via Medicaid,” the authors write. “Such an approach would benefit both individuals and families and would also create a far more stable and more generous funding stream to providers.”