Yesterday's discussion dealt with the human aspect of the new Infrastructure Bill.
Today I want to add an "e" to the word "human" and take a look at what our Caregivers need from that angle.
Currently, there are an estimated 53 million Americans serving as caregivers to their elderly family members who require care for their disabilities. They are not recompensed for that expense which comes at an emotional cost as well as the financial one. Figures released by the AARP indicate that on average, family caregivers spend about 24 hours a week along with $7.000.00 in out-of-pocket expenses. Paid Long-term Care is a dream for those family members, so they'll foot the bills on their own.
Medicare? Forget it. Medicare will pay only for the severely disabled, older patient, not for someone with Alzheimer's or related neurodegenerative diseases. That means if your loved one needs 24 hour care or round-the-clock nursing, you'd better be prepared to cover that expense yourself.
Medicaid is the better option, but you only qualify if you meet their poverty guidelines. Do you see the "Catch-22" here? One (Medicaid) says, "We'd cover that expense for ya;, but you make too much money, so we can't."
The other one (Medicare) says, "You make enough money, so that expense is on you. What's that? That's only 'only on paper'? Well sure, but that's the law bud, and them's the breaks."
One more "Zinger" for ya': Those services which are covered are covered on your state's "dime", and that money runs out fast. For those fortunate enough to qualify, there's usually a waiting list. Maybe you and/or your loved one will survive long enough to take advantage of that benefit, which has a waiting list of about 820,000 people and an average time of 39 months.
So what's to be done?
Luckily the President's Infrastructure Plan will relieve much of the burden on families and caregivers. 400 Billion of the 2 Trillion dollar plan has been set aside for things like Long-Term-Care for the elderly - helping them stay at home instead of nursing homes. Caregivers (53 million to date) would actually be compensated for their time and expense as well as expanding Medicare's home health benefits.
The "Not-So-Good News" is that these $ 400 billion dollars are to be allocated over the next 8 years, and much research is needed to see exactly where that money should be spent. Still, at least now there's a plan.
Thanks as always for reading and take care of yourselves and your loved ones!
Bill
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