Long-Term Care - Part of Health Care Reform Bill

[chinaco]

Thought some would be interested to know that a modest LTC program that will be put in place with with overall health care reform. I think the bill is separate from the bill for medical coverage.

Obama Backing Plan to Include Modest Long-Term Care Insurance in Health Reform - ElderLawAnswers Articles

Finally, long-term home health care - The Boston Globe

 

[Brat]

It really needs to be separate. While it would be great to have such a program the need is greater to pass basic universal health insurance. Let's not have perfect get in the way of the possible.

 

[mickeyd]

After participants had contributed for at least five years, they would be eligible for a benefit of not less than $50 a day to cover long-term care costs.

Weak LTC benefit.

 

[FinallyRetired]

In Northern Virginia average LTC cost is over $250 a day, so this benefit would bring it down to $200. But I bet the homes would probably jack up the rate to $300 and make the extra $50.

I think a better solution is to allow in-home care by visiting caregivers for 6-8 hours a day. That brings the cost down to under $150 a day, $100 with the benefit, and with competition between caregivers they would be less likely to jack up their rate. Now we're in reach of typical LTC insurance that provides around $100 a day.

Wouldn't work for patients who need round-the-clock care, but would work for a large percentage.