Urban Institute

When $500,000 in Social Security and Medicare Benefits Isn’t Enough

A typical American turning 65 this year is in line to receive about $500,000 in lifetime Social Security and Medicare benefits. That's more than $1 million for older couples. But many still won’t have enough money to pay for out-of-pocket medical care and long-term supports and services. While the wealthiest seniors will have the resources to pay these hefty out-of-pocket costs, most older adults won’t [...]

By |2015-09-22T10:06:39-04:00September 22nd, 2015|long-term care financing|0 Comments

Home Care Workers Are Going To Be Paid More, But Where Will the Money Come From?

Many home health aides and other direct care workers are going to get raises. An important court decision on Friday, an aggressive lobbying campaign by unions, more generous state minimum wage laws, and—perhaps most important of all—growing demand for paid home care by consumers—will inevitably drive up wages for these aides. The question is: How will older adults, younger people [...]

By |2015-08-24T13:43:47-04:00August 24th, 2015|long-term care workers|1 Comment

What Are the Chances You’ll Need Long-Term Care And How Much Will It Cost?

What are the odds you’ll need assistance to help with personal activities such as bathing or dressing before you die? For those about to turn 65, it’s about 50/50, according to an important new study. On average, you can expect to need this high level of care for about two years. But one-in-five Americans will need such assistance for less [...]

By |2015-07-16T15:38:56-04:00July 16th, 2015|Aging, long term care reform|0 Comments

It Is Time To Think About Catastrophic Long-Term Care Insurance

Why is there no catastrophic long-term care insurance? It could benefit millions of middle-income people who are able to pay for a few years of services and supports on their own but need to protect themselves against the risk of a very long period of need that would impoverish all but a handful of us. Even though catastrophic coverage is a [...]

What Ever Happened to the Long-Term Care Commission?

Nearly two months ago, Congress created a commission to recommend reforms to the current long-term care system. So what has happened since? Not much. Leaders of Congress have appointed members to serve on the panel but President Obama—who has three of 15 picks-- has not yet made his choices. The commission can’t select a chairman, find a staff, or set an agenda [...]

By |2013-02-25T21:31:30-05:00February 25th, 2013|Aging, long term care reform, Medicaid, nursing homes|1 Comment

Hill Panel Debates Managing Care for Dual Eligible Seniors

Everybody wants to do a better job coordinating care for the frail elderly and younger adults with disabilities who have extensive medical and personal care needs. But just how to do it is becoming increasingly controversial—especially on Capitol Hill. The current flashpoint is an aggressive new Obama Administration initiative aimed at improving care and cutting costs for those who are [...]