St. Andrew's Management Services provides care and support for seniors.

In the midst of all the political rhetoric and debate during this presidential season, one critical issue seems to have been left out -America's broken system for long-term care financing.

An estimated 10 million Americans, including six million over age 65, currently require long-term care. That number will grow dramatically in the next few decades, as more of the Baby Boomer generation develops similar needs. Yet little is being done on a state or national level to prepare for the implications of this demographic inevitability.

Those implications will be staggering, for individuals, families and taxpayers. The existing system relies heavily on Medicare and Medicaid to pay for care, but despite costing billions of dollars each year, still leaves many people with unmet service needs. It also threatens to bankrupt caregiving organizations. Missouri's Medicaid program reimburses nursing homes $111 per day, even though the average cost for that care is 21% higher. Private insurance is not the answer, as it is typically too expensive and too restrictive.

The current system, therefore, is simply unsustainable. So what is the solution? The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), of which St. Andrew's is a member, commissioned an in-depth study to develop a workable plan for future financing of long-term care. Their recommendation calls for a broad-based national insurance trust into which all Americans would be enrolled. Among its features are:

Low overhead costs.
The insurance would be financed by premiums, not by general tax revenues.
Individuals could pre-fund their long-term care needs.
Benefits should be available regardless of setting and payable in cash.

Up to $27,000 per year in benefits would be provided to each adult who needs assistance with two or more activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing and eating.

Such a plan would lower future expected Medicaid costs, helping ensure the sustainability of Medicaid as a safety net. AAHSA estimates that the cost of a national insurance trust would be equal to the cost of a large cup of coffee each day for each American.

Both the Senate (SB1758) and the House (HB3001) have proposed legislation to create this type of insurance trust, known as the Community Living Assistance, Service and Supports Act (CLASS). While few observers expect either bill to pass this election year, it's never too soon for you to write or call your Congressman and voice your support for a national long-term care insurance trust.

It's time for each of us to advocate for ourselves and our families. Tell Congress to fix this financially unsustainable system and make it affordable for people to care.