Bill Would Create National Education Effort on Long-Term Care Planning

Nearly 70 percent of adults who reach age 65 will need some form of long-term care during their lifetime, according to the Washington Examiner. Annual median care costs routinely exceed $60,000 and can climb into six figures. Medicare coverage for extended long-term care is limited, while Medicaid typically requires individuals to spend down assets before qualifying.

Many adults underestimate their future care needs or overestimate what existing programs will cover.

Proposed Legislation Rep.

Tom Suozzi introduced the Planning for Long-term Aging Needs Act to create a national public education initiative. The program would deliver information through digital and traditional media and community partnerships. The initiative would focus on care needs, costs, and planning options before individuals reach retirement age.

The goal is to encourage proactive planning rather than reactive decisions after a health event occurs.

Suozzi also introduced the Well-Being Insurance for Seniors to be at Home Act, which proposes a catastrophic long-term care coverage framework. The measure has bipartisan support. Sen. Jacky Rosen introduced the Supporting Our Seniors Act, another bipartisan bill that would create a federal commission on long-term care financing, care coordination, affordability, and support for family caregivers.