A recent report by ATI Advisory reveals significant racial, ethnic, and geographic disparities in the need for long-term services and supports (LTSS) among Americans aged 55 and older. The study, sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and based on data from the University of Michigan’s health and retirement study, analyzed responses from 6,232 individuals.
The findings indicate that Black individuals experience LTSS needs 114% more often than white individuals, while Hispanic individuals face these needs 72% more often. Additionally, those living in rural areas have a 23% higher incidence of LTSS needs compared to their urban counterparts.
“Our report found that people who needed assistance, like the home care industry provides, were more racially and ethnically diverse, and more often resided in rural areas,” said Nils Franco, senior analyst at ATI Advisory. He emphasized the role of Medicaid in potentially expanding access to LTSS for those lacking private financial resources.
The report also highlighted that Black and Hispanic individuals, women, and rural residents generally have fewer private financial resources and are less likely to have health insurance coverage compared to white individuals. This inequitable distribution of LTSS needs underscores broader health care disparities.
Johanna Barraza-Cannon, director of ATI’s state program and policy practice, stressed the importance of public programs addressing these disparities. “Our continued research wants to be able to narrow and tighten some of these recommendations to be actionable,” she said.
The report suggests policies to reduce financial disparities, limit barriers to Medicaid LTSS coverage, and design programs for individuals without in-home support.
- See: “Disparities Emerge In Those Seeking LTSS As They Age” by Joyce Famakinwa on the Home Health Care News website (December 18, 2023).
- See the report “Disparities in LTSS Needs and Supportive Resources at Age 55, and Outcome Disparities During the Next Decade” on the ATI Adviusory website (December 14, 2023)
