An article from the Kaiser Family Foundation that I have chosen for this discussion is “Why Long-Term Care Insurance Falls Short for So Many”. In discussing the challenges Americans face in obtaining long-term care insurance, the article highlights that policies do not cover necessities such as assisted living (Rau & Aleccia, 2022). There are several ramifications for both the general public and medical experts.
The exorbitant costs associated with long-term care and insufficient insurance coverage either put a tremendous financial burden on people and their families or compel them to accept less than ideal care. This creates a worrying situation because only 3–4% of Americans over 50 have long-term care insurance (Rau & Aleccia, 2022).
This contrasts with national estimates that 70% of individuals aged 65 and older will require essential assistance before death (Rau & Aleccia, 2022). For medical workers, this creates a moral dilemma, as they are forced to provide care only within the boundaries of patients’ limited insurance coverage. Hence, the chosen article reveals the depth of the healthcare issues faced by the American population.
However, the article also touches on legislation, costs, and access to care. The primary subjects of this text are treatment costs and insurance accessibility. It explores the challenges individuals and families face in securing sufficient insurance to meet their long-term care needs, the restrictions placed on insurance policies, and the financial burden of coverage gaps.
The article addresses the Community Living Assistance and Supports (CLASS) Act, which was ultimately deemed a poor decision and repealed in 2013 (Miller et al., 2020). I wholly agree with the writer of this article and recommend that a public or government-subsidized insurance plan should be created. This will improve the health of the general population, reduce the financial strain on private healthcare, and increase US citizens’ confidence in their futures.
References
Miller, E. A., Nadash, P., & Cohen, M. A. (2020). Stepping into the breach of federal inaction: Reforming the financing of long-term services and supports in the post-class era. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 45(5), 847–861.
Rau, J. & Aleccia, J. (2022). Why long-term care insurance falls short for so many. KFF Health News.