Institutional Long-Term Care
What is institutional long-term care?
Institutional long-term care refers to long-term care services in institutions that are authorized for Medicaid coverage through the Social Security Act.
Institutional long-term care includes:
- Nursing facilities including rehabilitation, long-term care, and skilled nursing services
- Services for the elderly (aged 65 and over) in mental healthcare facilities
- Inpatient services for people under the age of 21 who need psychiatric care
- Pre-admission screening and resident review
- Intermediate care facilities serving the needs of people with intellectual disabilities
Unlike other Medicaid services which are banned from doing so, care provided in institutional long-term care facilities includes room and board for admitted patients.
To be considered an institutional long-term care facility, an organization must obtain a license from the state where it is located based on federal standards. Institutional long-term care facilities are also frequently surveyed to make sure their services remain fit for their licenses and certifications.
Why is institutional long-term care important to healthcare?
Institutional long-term care is important because it provides millions of Americans with disabilities and chronic conditions the long-term support they require to manage day-to-day life. In addition, the elderly population in the United States is on the rise, leading more people to need long-term care.