How Are Medicaid Long-Term Services & Supports (LTSS) Covered & Delivered?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) defines long term services and supports (LTSS) as the services and supports used by individuals with functional limitations and chronic illnesses who need assistance to perform routine daily activities. This includes assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing, preparing meals, and administering medications.

Spending on LTSS nationally is estimated at $210.9 billion in 2011 (see The Basics: National Spending For LTSS, 2011). LTSS is primarily a Medicaid benefit. Medicaid spending on LTSS was $131.4 billion in 2011 and accounted for 62% of total LTSS spending, and one-third of the . . .