Gwen Graham: “there has been a renewed interest in health issues, particularly the plight of the uninsured. That issue presents…”

“there has been a renewed interest in health issues, particularly the plight of the uninsured. That issue presents lawmakers with significant challenges, particularly finding the right mixes of programs to provide health care coverage to the vastly different populations that make up this group. There is an equally daunting health care issue facing our country, but it is one that has received far less attention. That issue is the increasing need for long-term care. Over 13 million people in the United States need help with basic activities of daily living such as eating, getting in and out of bed, getting around inside, dressing, bathing and using the toilet. While many Americans believe that long-term care is an issue primarily affecting seniors, the reality is that 5.2 million adults between the ages of 18 to 64 and over 450,000 children need long-term care services. These numbers are expected to double as the baby boom generation begins to retire. Most long-term is provided at home or in the community by informal caregivers. However, in situations where individuals must enter nursing homes or other institutional facilities, costs are paid largely out-of-pocket. Such a financing structure jeopardizes the retirement security of many Americans who have worked hard their entire lives.”