Understanding the Shortfalls in Post-Acute Care

Nursing homes have been closing over the last 20 years despite growing demand. Many can barely even stay afloat. With more than half of Americans needing long term care and 1 out of 7 for more than 5 years, they should be able to remain solvent. As of 2018, more than 52 million Americans were over 65. That number could get to 95 million by 2060 according to forecasts. Half of the hospital nursing branches closed from 1999 to 2008, which means this situation is not sustainable. Medicare and Medicaid, federal programs, pay for different periods of post-acute care. Medicare pays for 20 days of long-term care, while Medicaid pays for day 21 to day 100 for those who qualify. After those days go by the occupant will have to pay about 50,000 - 100,000 dollars a year. Usually Medicaid compensations are less than the price of care. Learn more about the cost of post-acute care below.
Infographic source: http://primesourcehcs.com/industry-stats/