Call for US commission on long term care needs provision

Steve Hards

Karen Ignagni, President and CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans, testified (May 18) before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health concerning long term care needs. Amongst other things she called for a Presidential Commission to explore tax incentives to encourage individuals to take planning responsibility for their own needs; exploring how to redesign Medicaid to allow dollars to follow the person across all settings, ensuring that access to quality long-term care and services can be received in the settings of choice; and exploring the potential to increase utilization of technology (telehealth, monitoring devices, electronic medical records, etc.) in all care settings – particularly in rural settings. Full article with insurance industry bias.