Brief Long-Term Services and Supports for Older Americans
Subtitle
Risks and Financing, 2022
Richard W. Johnson, Judith Dey
Display Date
Fact sheets

Many people underestimate the risk of developing a disability in later life and needing long-term services and supports (LTSS). Using microsimulation modeling, we estimate that more than one-half (57 percent) of Americans turning 65 today will develop a disability serious enough to require LTSS. About one in five of all adults (22 percent) will need help for more than five years. On average, an American turning 65 today will incur $122,400 in future LTSS costs, measured in today’s dollars. Families will pay more than one-third (37 percent) of costs themselves out of pocket, with the rest covered by public programs and private insurance. Although most people with LTSS needs will spend relatively little on their care, 15 percent will spend at least $100,000 out of pocket for future LTSS. Many family caregivers also provide substantial unpaid care. Without that help, families and public programs would spend much more on LTSS.

Research and Evidence Health Policy Family and Financial Well-Being Tax and Income Supports Technology and Data
Expertise Families Health Care Coverage, Access, and Affordability Taxes and the Economy Microsimulation Modeling Aging and Retirement
Research Methods Microsimulation modeling Dynamic Simulation of Income Model 4 (DYNASIM4)
Tags Disability and long-term care Family care and support Health care spending and costs Long-term services and support Disability equity policy