A Growing Problem for Millions of Americans. More than five million Americans have significant limitations due to illness or disability and thus require long-term care. Approximately two-thirds are older Americans. Also, millions of adults and a growing number of children have long-term care needs because of health conditions from birth or a chronic illness developed later in life. The aging of America will only increase the need for quality long-term care options.
Family members are often the primary caregivers of long term health care.
Today, only Medicaid pays for nursing home care. Hillary proposes a major new long term care program that will help more people struggling with the costs afford the care they need. Services would be tailored to meet individual needs and could include such services as in-home care, personal assistance, respite for family caregivers, adult day services, rehabilitation, assistant devices, and services in assisted living facilities. The program will be designed and administered by the states according to an approved state plan that meets certain federal requirements. It provides the help families need to continue care for their loved ones at home, and for younger people with disabilities to live and work independently.