Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Witnesses tell committee long‑term care costs push families to ‘spend down’; experts urge stronger Medicaid protections and explore Medicare options
Summary
Panelists said the U.S. lacks a coordinated long‑term care system, forcing many families to ‘spend down’ assets to qualify for Medicaid. Witnesses recommended strengthening Medicaid, considering a Medicare long‑term care benefit, and addressing private‑equity ownership in nursing homes.
Committee members and witnesses described long‑term care costs as an immediate and growing crisis for older Americans who lack private coverage.
Alex Lawson told senators “we do not have a long term care system in this country,” and that many families must “spend down” assets until they qualify for Medicaid to pay for long‑term supports and services.…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
