Health care reform is a big topic in Washington, D.C. right now. The Senators have adjourned for their summer break and have been holding town halls to discuss health care reform. The town halls have been “spirited” to say the least. The main topic of the discussions seems to be who will receive it, how much it will cost and who will pay for it.   However, is anyone asking how this will affect our seniors?

 

            Currently, over 1.5 million individuals are in nursing homes. 1-15 Tax, Estate & Financial Planning for the Elderly § 15.02   This number will almost certainly increase. An aging boom will begin in 2010 and by 2030, the number of seniors is projected to be 70,000,000 1-1 Guide - Elder Law Practice 1.01. Will the new universal system, if it becomes law, contain provisions for long term care and assisted living? Will it take the place of or rather coexist with Medicare and Medicaid?   Will it cover prescriptions drugs, arguably a large expense for seniors? These are all questions that should and need to be asked.

 

            While Medicare provides some nursing home benefits; it does not cover, nor was it intended to cover, long term care.1-8 Long-Term Care Advocacy § 8.05. Medicaid will cover long term care, but only after a patient has depleted their savings.1-15 Tax, Estate & Financial Planning for the Elderly § 15.04 Regardless of how the health care reform discussion ends, planning for long term care is an essential part of Elder Law planning. 

 

Chapter 15 of Tax, Estate & Financial Planning for the Elderly (Matthew Bender,2009) discusses nursing homes. It deals with choosing a home, solving admissions problems, resident’s rights and services. Chapters 9 and 10 discuss Medicare and private insurance and Medicaid.