posted by Susan Coronel, Executive Director, LTC, AHIP
on September 11, 2018
America is aging. By 2030, 1 in every 5 Americans will be a senior. And by 2040, more than 14 million Americans will be 85 or older.
This creates unique challenges for how we think about health care and senior living. Our seniors have higher expectations for being able to stay healthy, and for being able to age in place in the homes and communities they love.
Long-term care (LTC) coverage can help ensure that we successfully care for this generation. LTC coverage helps to pay for services that many seniors will need as they age, including board and care in a residential home; the support of a caregiver who would help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and eating; and care for long-lasting or recurring illnesses.
Approximately 7.4 million people have invested in LTC coverage for their security and peace of mind. And it’s not just for seniors. Each year, approximately 20 million Americans under the age of 65 need LTC to help support them through a serious illness or health condition.
Unfortunately, too few Americans are investing now for future LTC needs. But Congress can make a few simple policy changes that would encourage more people to think ahead about their long-term health and financial security:
America’s seniors want to stay healthy and age in place in the homes and communities they love. By enacting these solutions, Congress can ensure that seniors are provided with an important pathway to health, independence, and financial security.