Monday, October 24, 2005
Neufeld addresses issues with long- term health care
By RACHEL DAVIS
rdavis@gctelegram.com
Posted in The Garden City Telegram on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 3:05:49 PM
The possibility of a Medicaid system collapse is looming closer, said Melvin Neufeld, chairman of the state House Appropriations Committee.
Neufeld, R-Ingalls, addressed an audience of about 30 Tuesday at Fiesta Courtyard during a Kansas Health Care Association meeting.
Neufeld said the current system will not be able to provide for the baby boomers when it comes time for them to retire unless the system is reformed.
"In 2030, most retirees will not have enough income or assets to cover basic expenses of nursing home assistance," he said. "In 2044, the growth of the population 85 years and older is expected to triple."
Neufeld said Medicaid is not just a statewide issue but has been affecting people nationwide. He said Medicaid covers only a small amount of the cost of long-term services, which puts many people in debt.
For example, a nursing home room may cost $3,000 a month, and Medicaid may cover only $750 a month, which leaves residents and family members scrambling to cover the cost.
One solution to the Medicaid system is home equity, said Steve Moses, president of the Center for Long-term Care Reform Inc.
Moses said people can take out a reverse mortgage on their home that would allow them to pay the bank in small amounts while still using the equity as income to pay for long-term care services. Moses said weeding out the myths and misconceptions of Medicaid, which tell people if they don't take care of their future then they can become a burden of the state and taxpayers, and allowing people to plan for their retirement would save taxpayers millions of dollars.
"We have been sending a message to the public for the last 40 years that if you get sick, someone else will pay for it," he said.
Moses said people can avoid the Medicaid trap by taking out insurance on their estate, using the worth of their house or by transferring from non-exempt assets to exempt assets.
"Don't get me wrong, there is no reason why a person should have to give up the family farm to provide long-term care for loved ones," he said. "We are trying to find ways to balance the system out."
Gil Cruz, co-owner of Homestead Assisted Living, said he has had to use last year's rates to take on clients so they could afford the care.
"It is a struggle because I have an obligation to this community to provide affordable care," Cruz said. "It's hard to find a balance between the obligation and running a business."
He said he worries about the future of long-term care patients and workers.
"I don't know what is going to happen if the residential population keeps rising and the work force population keeps declining," Cruz said.
Nancy Benney, Kansas Health Care Association chairwoman, said she is worried about the quality of long-term assistance, especially with a decrease in nurse training.
"It has become even more of a challenge to take care of residents who are sicker now than they were 10 years ago," she said.
By RACHEL DAVIS
rdavis@gctelegram.com
Posted in The Garden City Telegram on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 3:05:49 PM
The possibility of a Medicaid system collapse is looming closer, said Melvin Neufeld, chairman of the state House Appropriations Committee.
Neufeld, R-Ingalls, addressed an audience of about 30 Tuesday at Fiesta Courtyard during a Kansas Health Care Association meeting.
Neufeld said the current system will not be able to provide for the baby boomers when it comes time for them to retire unless the system is reformed.
"In 2030, most retirees will not have enough income or assets to cover basic expenses of nursing home assistance," he said. "In 2044, the growth of the population 85 years and older is expected to triple."
Neufeld said Medicaid is not just a statewide issue but has been affecting people nationwide. He said Medicaid covers only a small amount of the cost of long-term services, which puts many people in debt.
For example, a nursing home room may cost $3,000 a month, and Medicaid may cover only $750 a month, which leaves residents and family members scrambling to cover the cost.
One solution to the Medicaid system is home equity, said Steve Moses, president of the Center for Long-term Care Reform Inc.
Moses said people can take out a reverse mortgage on their home that would allow them to pay the bank in small amounts while still using the equity as income to pay for long-term care services. Moses said weeding out the myths and misconceptions of Medicaid, which tell people if they don't take care of their future then they can become a burden of the state and taxpayers, and allowing people to plan for their retirement would save taxpayers millions of dollars.
"We have been sending a message to the public for the last 40 years that if you get sick, someone else will pay for it," he said.
Moses said people can avoid the Medicaid trap by taking out insurance on their estate, using the worth of their house or by transferring from non-exempt assets to exempt assets.
"Don't get me wrong, there is no reason why a person should have to give up the family farm to provide long-term care for loved ones," he said. "We are trying to find ways to balance the system out."
Gil Cruz, co-owner of Homestead Assisted Living, said he has had to use last year's rates to take on clients so they could afford the care.
"It is a struggle because I have an obligation to this community to provide affordable care," Cruz said. "It's hard to find a balance between the obligation and running a business."
He said he worries about the future of long-term care patients and workers.
"I don't know what is going to happen if the residential population keeps rising and the work force population keeps declining," Cruz said.
Nancy Benney, Kansas Health Care Association chairwoman, said she is worried about the quality of long-term assistance, especially with a decrease in nurse training.
"It has become even more of a challenge to take care of residents who are sicker now than they were 10 years ago," she said.
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