“COVID-19 Issues and Medicaid Policy Options for People Who Need Long-Term Services and Supports,” by MaryBeth Musumeci and Priya Chidambaram, Kaiser Family Foundation

 

Quote:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has greater implications for people who utilize long-term supports and services (LTSS), including seniors and people with disabilities & chronic illnesses, compared to the general population. This issue brief presents state-level data on LTSS users, including the 2.5 million people who receive HCBS through waivers, 1.3 million people in nursing homes, and 800,000 people in assisted living facilities. This brief also explores key issues and potential state and federal policy responses for LTSS users in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and Medicaid’s role as the primary LTSS payer.”

LTC Comment (from Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform):

The tragedy of public-policy-induced overreliance on Medicaid for long-term care has never been more serious and obvious.