The Long-Term Care (LTC) Commission has issued its full report to Congress this week. The report provides a detailed overview of long-term care servicing and financing issues facing Americans. With little time and in today's politically charged environment, the 114-page document provides an in-depth assessment of challenges facing the current U.S. long-term care system and offers a broad array of potential solutions.

The recommendations in the report were based on public comments and hearings, and the 15 members' expertise in the field. They include:

Elimination of Medicare's three-night hospital inpatient requirement to qualify for post-acute coverage;
More public resources to speed development and implementation of LTC-specific health information technology;
Expansion of “No Wrong Door” programs, which are meant to ensure that individuals end up in the most appropriate care setting no matter where they enter the LTC system;
Creation of a national advisory committee to continue this work. The entire commission acknowledged that it faced enormous time constraints, and its report is not comprehensive enough to serve as a definitive blueprint for reform, so a national advisory committee should be created.

Those who are anticipating significant changes from the report findings or a recommendation for a new program to address long-term care may be disappointed. Click here to access the commission’s complete recommendations.

We here at the Fairfax and Frederickburg Elder Law Firm of Evan H. Farr, P.C. believe that with the rising costs and growing need for long-term care, Medicaid Asset Protection Planning is one of the best ways to provide for your future long-term care needs. Call 703-691-1888 to make an appointment for a free consultation. We can meet with you, assess your financial situation, and determine strategies for your long-term care plan.