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Health Insurance for All Long-Term Care Workers: Estimated Costs and Coverage Impacts in Minnesota and Recommendations for States |
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| Authors: | Bernadette Wright PhD Cindy Gruman PhD Lisa Alecxih MPA Larhae Knatterud MAPA |
| Affiliation: | 1. Consultant, The Lewin Group , Falls Church , Virginia , USA bernadette.wright@lewin.com;3. Managing Consultant, The Lewin Group , Falls Church , Virginia , USA;4. Senior Vice President, The Lewin Group , Falls Church , Virginia , USA;5. Director of Aging Transformation, Continuing Care Administration, Minnesota Department of Human Services , St. Paul , Minnesota , USA |
| Abstract: | A major barrier to building a strong workforce to meet the growing need for long-care is lack of affordable health benefits. This study projects impacts of funding health coverage for all long-term care workers in Minnesota. Under the most cost effective model plan design, enrollment in employer-sponsored coverage would increase 73% to 100% for individual coverage and 26% to 42% for family coverage. Total monthly costs would be $698/worker in the commercial market or $634/worker through a new dedicated risk pool. Based on our findings and past research, the authors present recommendations for structuring and implementing a long-term care worker health insurance initiative. |
| Keywords: | employee health benefit plans health insurance home care agencies home health aides long-term care Medicaid Medical Assistance nurse aides nursing homes public policy |