A new report released Thursday by Georgetown University
researchers, in association with The SCAN Foundation, presents four possible
options for including long-term care services and supports in reform
legislation.
In the report, authors argue that the cost-effectiveness
of health and long-term care services can be improved through increased home-
and community-based care services and better coordination of healthcare
delivery in facilities. Their specific suggestions include expanding Medicaid
HCBS programs; improving care coordination for dual-eligibles-seniors who
qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid; improving care coordination for seniors
with chronic conditions; and establishing a public long-term care insurance program.
Although the current version of the Senate Health,
Education, Labor and Pensions Committee reform bill contains a program that
would establish a national disability insurance benefit to help pay for
long-term care in the event of a disability, long-term care services and
supports have largely been overlooked in the healthcare debate. (McKnight's,
6/5) To view the SCAN report, "Long-Term Care in Health Care Reform: Policy
Options to Improve Both," visit www.thescanfoundation.org.