Long-term care affects millions of American families. In a recent opinion piece published in the Charlotte Observer and The News and Observer, DPHS' Nathan Boucher, DrPH, makes the case for expanding Medicare to cover home health care, addressing the needs of 105 million caregivers and our aging population.
With Medicare beneficiaries earning an average of $36,000 annually while home health aides cost $70,000 annually, the strain is particularly acute in states like North Carolina, where 1.7 million residents over 65 and 23% of adults provide care for both children and aging parents.
"This is a chance for policymakers to set aside partisan differences and prioritize the well-being of millions of caregivers and aging Americans," Boucher says.
To read the article, please visit the Charlotte Observer's website here.