USA/Finances—
By Edwin J. Viera , producer, New York News Connection, a bureau of Public News Service.
The Care Disconnect survey showed most Americans do not understand how much caring for an older loved one or a child can cost the average family.
Also, the survey concluded people have misconceptions about how government-funded senior care works. People think Medicare for people 65 and older covers long-term care costs, when in fact, Medicaid only does this for low-income seniors. For middle-income families, this means “spending down” until they’re poor enough to qualify for Medicaid.
Brigid Schulte, director of the Better Life Lab at New America in Washington DC, says there is now a shift in thiniking about who should be responsible for paying for care.
“There was a very overwhelming majority that said families cannot do this alone anymore and that both government and business have a role to play in helping families pay for, navigate and manage care costs throughout their lives,” Schulte explained.
Meanwhile, the survey showed a series of disconnects regarding child care. While more than half of respondents believe everyone has an interest in strong child care systems, 60% said they have no direct knowledge of the need or quality.
Elliot Haspel, culture of care narrative fellow for Better Life Lab, said advocates and elected officials must be more specific as they inform people about the costs.
“Being able to say childcare rivals rent and mortgage costs in most areas; something that can define the terms better so we’re not just using phrases like unaffordable or too expansive because that doesn’t actually anchor listeners,” Haspel observed.
The poll found almost half of Americans thought child care costs fall below $10,000 a year but that is not reality. The Economic Policy Institute reported New York childcare costs more than $18,000 per year, more than the cost of in-state tuition at a four-year college. In California, the cost is even higher. The institute estimates the average annual cost of infant care in California is $23,069—that’s $1,922 per month! The Golden State is ranked 4th out of 50 states and the District of Columbia for most expensive infant care.
