LTC Troubles for the Middle-Class

Affording health care services has been an issue that most Americans have been facing for a long time. However, with the termination of the Class Act many middle class families are having problems affording long term care for family members (Harris & Pear, 2011). Lower class Americans receive assistance through Medicaid, while the upper class are usually able to afford the services themselves, but numerous middle class families find themselves struggling to pay for services and care for elderly family members. If successfully completed the, Class Act would have covered roughly a quarter of nursing home care for middle class families.

There are other options for middle class families to choose from other than paying for services out of pocket. Long term care insurance is becoming a more popular option for many Americans. For example, California is one of the many states that take part in "Partnership for Long Term Care". This program gives credit to individuals that purchase long term care insurance. This is an advantage because most LTC policies pay a fixed amount. The benefit is a payment of the actual expenses incurred, also the credit extends to assisted living facilities, nursing homes and in home services.

References

Harris, H. & Pear, R. (2011, October 24). Still no relief in sight for long-term needs. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/health/25seniors.html?_r=1