WASHINGTON, March 1 (UPI) -- As more people in the United States live longer, a study shows more people will need long-term care but might not be able to afford it.
An analysis of expected long-term care, published in the current issue of Inquiry, showed the average 65-year-old today will require three years of long-term care.
This includes healthcare staff as well as help by family members in doing a variety of daily activities, from shopping and cooking to bathing and going to the bathroom.
The study, by Peter Kemper of Pennsylvania State University, Harriet L. Komisar of Georgetown University and Lisa Alecxih of the Lewin Group, predicted 1 percent of current 65-year-olds will pay $250,000 out of pocket for such care.
Government programs will pay for 53 percent of care and private insurance companies will foot 2 percent. The rest is then up to the individual.
The study showed half of current 65-year-olds won't need to pay for any long-term care costs but 6 percent will need to pay $100,000.
The researchers recommended government policy and private insurers expand coverage for long-term care to ease the financial burden on the elderly.
