Rethinking long-term care.

Abstract

In the context of several proposals for financing long-term care (LTC), this article suggests three areas in which reform of the structure of LTC is needed to create more appropriate incentives for better care. The interfaces between short- and long-term care can be addressed by either a number of specific changes or more global approaches, such as one or another form of capitated care. Using the ratio of achieved/expected outcomes as a prominent part of a regulatory strategy offers a means to increase the flexibility of regulation to encourage innovation while retaining meaningful accountability. New combinations of housing and nursing care offer a way for both a better and more flexible way of living in the context of an approach that guarantees universal coverage of care together with an incentive to save to afford better accommodations.