Washington’s dizzying debate over the rising costs of huge federal entitlements, record spending, and dangerous debt obscures America’s next and perhaps most difficult challenge: the financing and provision of long-term care.
The number of elderly Americans has been growing rapidly and this expansion is expected to continue for many years. Each day there is a net increase of 1,600 persons over the age of 65'. By the year 2030, the elderly are expected to comprise 18.3 percent of the total population, up from the current figure of 11.3 percent.' Even more dramatic are the projected increases in the over-75 and over-85 age groups. These changes in the population of the elderly portend a corresponding future need for expanded long-term health care services.