Most older adults want to age at home and in their communities. Many will need long-term care, also known as long-term services and supports (LTSS) to do so. Long-term care must be robust, accessible, and affordable for those who need it most.
Why Long-Term Care Matters
While long-term care is essential to helping older adults live and age where they choose, current systems are not set up to offer and deliver the services and supports most need.
Focus Areas
State and federal policies and programs need to close coverage gaps, simplify systems, and ensure that every older adult has access to home and community-based supports (HCBS).
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.
Finding a Path to Support Aging in Place in California
Nov 2025
California, National
Long-Term Care, Medicare-Medicaid Integration
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.
Do You Hear What I Hear? Why Listening to Older Adults Leads to Better Care
Feb 2026
National
Long-Term Care
Extensive new research shows better outcomes and lower costs result when providers consider patient preferences in care plans. Diving into LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston’s quantitative and qualitative work, we learn key takeaways and actionable insights.
“Aging in Place: The Impact of Community During the Holidays” Statement for the Record
Dec 2025
Long-Term Care, Medicare Health and Social Supports, Medicare-Medicaid Integration, Multisector Plans for Aging
The SCAN Foundation appreciates the opportunity to submit this statement for the record in relation to the Committee’s December 3, 2025 hearing, “Aging in Place: The Impact of Community during the Holidays.”
“Aging & Disability Health Policy Lab” Established With Multiyear Commitment From The SCAN Foundation
Nov 2025
National
Long-Term Care
As millions of low-income older adults and people with disabilities struggle to access the care they need, The SCAN Foundation (TSF) is committing nearly $8 million over three years to develop and adopt viable, people-centered policy solutions with active community involvement.
