Long-Term Care

The rising costs of long-term services and supports (LTSS), also known as long-term care, are one of the biggest—and least understood—risks facing older adults and their families. Nearly 70 percent of Americans will need LTSS, yet most lack meaningful protection against the financial and practical challenges that come with needing help over time. Middle-income families are especially vulnerable, often earning too much to qualify for Medicaid while being unable to afford high out-of-pocket expenses. 

Most older adults want to remain at home as they age, yet rising costs of health care and long-term services and supports (LTSS), also known as long-term care, and a fragmented care delivery system create barriers to doing so. This is particularly true for older adults with low incomes, who often experience complex care needs and chronic conditions. Efforts to integrate care for this population (e.g. coordinating Medicaid and Medicare services, integrating health care and housing) have had varying levels of success, and many remain siloed or face issues of scalability.

Rural older adults face distinct realities that California’s statewide planning must address. To support equitable solutions, we are pleased to share three new policy briefs. These briefs provide legislators and advocates with clear, actionable recommendations to address the needs of rural older adults, a population that is growing rapidly and already straining under workforce shortages, housing insecurity, and health disparities.