Contact:
Simona Combi
Public Relations Manager
571-527-3982
simona.combi@ncoa.org

Oct. 8, 2024, Arlington, VA—The following is a statement from Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO of the National Council on Aging (NCOA), on a proposal to expand Medicare to cover the cost of long-term care at home. 

“Medicare coverage of home care would be a game changer for the millions of families who are caring for older loved ones with few options or support. Today, older adults either must spend themselves into poverty to qualify for Medicaid or rely on family for the care they need. Coverage would give families a choice—and the dignity they deserve. 

“There is an enormous gap between those who can afford in-home care and everyone else. Our research with the LeadingAge LTSS Center @ UMass Boston shows that 60% of older adults (or 33 million households) are unable to afford two years of in-home long-term care services. 

“Yet, we know that over half of adults 65 and older will need these services for less than two years, and one in seven will require care for more than five years. In 2023, the median yearly cost of a home health care aide was $75,504. 

“Medicare coverage of home care would address a major source of concern for family caregivers, who are usually women. In our recent survey, nearly 7 in 10 (69%) women 50 and older who are currently providing care say that it is a strain on their finances, compared with 58% of male caregivers. 

“The move is also popular. Across demographic and party lines, women overwhelmingly told us they support improving Medicare and Medicaid to better ensure that older adults have the option to receive care at home rather than having to go into a nursing home. 

“It is well past time that we support families, who are the backbone of caregiving in our nation.”

 

About NCOA
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person’s right to age well. We believe that how we age should not be determined by gender, color, sexuality, income, or ZIP code. Working with thousands of national and local partners, we provide resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure every person can age with health and financial security. Founded in 1950, we are the oldest national organization focused on older adults. Learn more at www.ncoa.org and @NCOAging.