State must address funding for long-term care needs

We’re not getting any younger.

A little less than 14 percent of Washington state’s population is 65 years or older. Four years ago, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the dependency ratio, the number of people 65 and older to every 100 people of traditional working ages, is expected to increase from 22 in 2010 to 35 in 2030, when the youngest of the baby boomers will have moved into that 65 and older category.

Nor are we well prepared for it.

About 70 percent of those 65 and older will require some form of long-term services and support in their lifetimes. And 90 percent of adults are currently uninsured for long-term care needs, which means that when care is needed they will have to rely on unpaid family care-givers — many of whom will be at or near retirement age — or will have to spend down their life savings in order to qualify for Medicaid, which itself is financially strapped, resulting in cuts to hours of service and flat rates of reimbursement to providers. Insurance providers are finding the business too risky and are pulling out of the market. And what insurance is available is too expensive for many seniors.

“The system is broken and unsustainable,” said Jackson Holtz with the Service Employees International Union 775, which represents elder care workers. And it’s why a network of groups, including SEIU; AARP; the Elder Care Alliance; the Washington Health Care Association, which represents nursing homes; and other groups and agencies, while not always on the same page on all issues, is speaking with one voice to encourage the Legislature to fund further study of the problems and potential solutions in providing long-term care.

About 20 years ago, long-term care providers and the state, recognizing the increasing costs of nursing home care, made changes that provided more affordable options, including assisted living centers, home health aides and adult day care, said Gerald Reilly, with the Elder Care Alliance. Over those 20 years, those options have saved $6 billion, he said.

A similar effort is needed now. Specifically, the group hopes to see a joint legislative executive committee on aging and disability, which recently completed its own report, be reauthorized and continue its work. And the group is encouraged that Gov. Jay Inslee has included $400,000 in his budget for a feasibility study of policy solutions. Potential solutions include a public-private insurance option and an option for a long-term security trust. The long-term security trust could work something like Social Security or L&I’s workers compensation, in that participants would make contributions to insurance through a payroll deduction.

As recommended by the group, reforms will have to support the financial health of seniors, spread the risk to create an affordable system, provide cost-effective, quality care, recognize the roles of public and private insurance, highlight personal responsibility and maintain Medicaid as a strong safety net.

Currently, Hawaii is the only other state that has done any significant study of the issue, Reilly said. “They’re at the vanguard,” he said, so Hawaii’s work is being closely followed.

The Legislature dithered on education funding to the point the state Supreme Court found it in contempt of court.

It shouldn’t wait for another such citation to find the best ways to fund long-term care.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

Initiative promoter Tim Eyman takes a selfie photo before the start of a session of Thurston County Superior Court, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, in Olympia, Wash. Eyman, who ran initiative campaigns across Washington for decades, will no longer be allowed to have any financial control over political committees, under a ruling from Superior Court Judge James Dixon Wednesday that blasted Eyman for using donor's contributions to line his own pocket. Eyman was also told to pay more than $2.5 million in penalties. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Editorial: Initiative fee increase protects process, taxpayers

Bumped up to $156 from $5, the increase may discourage attempts to game the initiative process.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, March 28

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Washington state senators and representatives along with Governor Inslee and FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez break ground at the Swift Orange Line on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Community Transit making most of Link’s arrival

The Lynnwood light rail station will allow the transit agency to improve routes and frequency of buses.

Protecting forests and prevent another landslide like Oso

Thank you for the powerful and heartbreaking article about the Oso landslide… Continue reading

Boeing’s downfall started when engineers demoted

Boeing used to be run by engineers who made money to build… Continue reading

Learn swimming safety to protect kids at beach, pool

Don’t forget to dive into water safety before hitting the pool or… Continue reading

An image of Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin is reflected in a storefront window during the State of the City Address on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at thee Everett Mall in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: State of city address makes case for Everett’s future

Mayor Franklin outlines challenges and responses as the city approaches significant decisions.

FILE - The massive mudslide that killed 43 people in the community of Oso, Wash., is viewed from the air on March 24, 2014. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
Editorial: Mapping landslide risks honors those lost in Oso

Efforts continue in the state to map areas prone to landslides and prevent losses of life and property.

Comment: Why shootings have decreased but gun deaths haven’t

High-capacity magazines and ‘Glock switches’ that allow automatic fire have increased lethality.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, March 27

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Burke: ‘Why not write about Biden, for once?’ Don’t mind if I do.

They asked; I’ll oblige. Let’s consider what the president has accomplished since the 2020 election.

Comment: Catherine missed chance to dispel shame of cancer

She wasn’t obligated to do so, but she might have used her diagnosis to educate a sympathetic public.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.