The Big Medicaid Spend On The 65+ Population

One interesting discovery we made in the discussion of the various health care reform proposals is that many consumers don’t realize that a significant portion of Medicaid funds go to the 65+ population. While Medicare covers health care services for the 65+ population – hospitalizations, emergency rooms, pharmaceuticals, etc. – it is Medicaid that pays for long-term care for this population. That includes services for individuals with functional limitations needing assistance performing routine daily activities – as well as residential services including nursing homes, assisted living programs, and continuing retirement communities. I think this distinction is being lost in the current . . .