The value of informal long-term care provided by family members and friends is estimated at over $300 billion annually
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The value of informal long-term care provided by family members and friends is estimated at over $300 billion annually. Much of this cost would fall to government if it were not for this informal system. Would you support government assistance for informal caregivers, through mechanisms such as tax reduction incentives, or subsidy for respite care? Why or why not? If not, what alternative measures would you propose to help keep the informal system intact?
To avoid depletion of personal assets which can result from lengthy periods of long-term care, it has been common practice to shelter assets in trusts, transfer assets to family members and use other legal methods to ensure eligibility for Medicaid support of long term care expenses. Discuss your position on these practices.