Healthcarespending topped $2.4 trillion in 2008, according to new figures from theCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services. So it’s not hard to see why muchhas been said lately about the need to reform the nation’s healthcare system.But one of its key players—long-term care—has essentially been left out of theconversation. A hearing today held by the Senate Special Committee on Aging mayhelp change that. A half dozen invited speakers are going to call for changesin the Medicare and Medicaid programs, as well as the formation of a morestreamlined long-term care spectrum. Let’s just hope the testimony doesn’t fallon deaf ears.