Key Takeaways
- Long term services and supports (LTSS) are a broad range of services utilized by people who are aging; have cognitive or physical limitations; require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, bathing, and dressing; and require assistance to perform instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) such as shopping, housework and money management.
- The population of individuals utilizing LTSS is diverse and growing. According to AARP, more than 14 million adults needed LTSS in 2018. An aging American population and increasing longevity among people with developmental and physical disabilities will continue to increase the demand for these services.
- In 2016, LTSS spending across all payers (private and government) totaled $366 billion.
- Family and other unpaid caregivers provide the majority of LTSS their loved ones require. At an estimated value of $470 billion per year, family caregivers provide more value through their services than all payers combined.
- While some options for coverage of paid LTSS do exist, LTSS financing is highly fragmented and not available to many individuals in need of services.