The economics of long-term care in Ohio

Abstract

In 1990, the State of Ohio spent more than $1 billion to finance long-term care services to older Ohioans, and as a result, the Medicaid budget is seen as perhaps the greatest challenge facing state policy makers. But Ohio's public expenditures tell only part of the story and must be seen in a context that includes expenditures by other government programs, private insurers, older people and their families, and charitable organizations. The full picture also includes the economic value of uncompensated care provided by the family and friends of disabled elders and the loss of income that results when caregivers must reduce employment. This report estimates the number of older Ohioans receiving long-term care, the economic value of that care, and sources of economic support for that care.