LONG-TERM SERVICES & SUPPORTS
What are long-term services and supports?
As a result of aging, acute or chronic illness or disability, some people require Long-term Services and Supports (LTSS) to complete tasks and live full lives day-to-day. For example, someone may require home health aide or personal care services to prepare meals, eat, dress, bathe and/or manage their medication. Others may require transportation or supported employment services. LTSS needs are unique to each individual and can be needed for varying lengths of time—weeks, months, or long-term.
Pallone Unveils Proposal for Medicare Long-Term Care Benefit
Edison, NJ– Today, at a roundtable discussion with aging and disability advocates at the JFK Adult Medical Day Program in Edison, New Jersey, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released a proposal to create a new Medicare long-term care benefit. The comprehensive discussion draft, the Medicare Long-Term Care Services and Supports Act, would establish a public benefit within Medicare, designed for everyone regardless of income or where they live, to provide long-term care services and supports. Participants in the roundtable provided input on Congressman Pallone’s draft bill. READ MORE
Photo Courtesy of MS Society
Stories
"I have purchased good long term care, but the cost rose $1200 this year. Soon I won't be able to afford it. There must be a better way."
- J. Lindgren from Florida
"Long term rehabilitation services are as critical as life sustaining medications for Corey. She is recovering from a severe traumatic brain injury. Without coverage for long-term services and support, she will never have the opportunity to regain function to live independently."
- M. Beattie from Pennsylvania
"My son has severe autism; cannot speak, sign, or write. He has very few self-help skills and severe behaviors. He will never be able to support himself in any way. He truly represents the most vulnerable of society -- those in which there really needs to be something in place. We will do all we can for as long as we can, but we do need help desperately."
- K. Rhodomoyer from Pennsylvania
Programs that provide LTSS
LTSS are provided by unpaid caregivers (primarily relatives and friends) and paid providers. Private long-term care insurance is available but limited and expensive and Medicare covers very little LTSS. As such, Medicaid is currently the primary payer for LTSS.
Resources and tools
The following resource links will direct you to the web sites of the listed organizations: