Long-Term Care: Demography, Dollars, and Dissatisfaction Drive Reform
(Testimony, 04/12/94, GAO/T-HEHS-94-140).

The long-term care system has evolved in a patchwork fashion and is
today comprised of multiple programs that individuals find hard to
access.  Despite millions of dollars in outlays, the system often fails
to meet the diverse needs of the disabled, and many believe that access
to services could be improved with the same level of funding.  This
testimony focuses on three trends underlying the quest for reform.
First, demographic changes make rising demand for long-term care
inevitable across all ages, not just for the elderly.  Second, spending
will escalate sharply across all ages, not just for the elderly.  Third,
despite high costs, disabled persons are increasingly unhappy with
available services and their ability to obtain them.

--------------------------- Indexing Terms -----------------------------

 REPORTNUM:  T-HEHS-94-140
     TITLE:  Long-Term Care: Demography, Dollars, and Dissatisfaction 
             Drive Reform
      DATE:  04/12/94
   SUBJECT:  Long-term care
             Community health services
             Health care cost control
             Elderly persons
             Disadvantaged persons
             Aid for the elderly
             Medicaid programs
             Home health care services
             Nursing homes
             State-administered programs
IDENTIFIER:  Social Services Block Grant
             
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