As the population ages, policymakers must evaluate the nation's readiness to assist a growing group of people with conditions requiring chronic and long-term care. Based on the 2002 annual meeting of the National Academy of Social Insurance, this volume offers a variety of viewpoints from policymakers, researchers and experts who examine how well the needs of the elderly and disabled Americans are being met by modern financing and delivery systems in light of potential reform options. Particular attention is paid to care coordination issues - namely the impact of acute-care policies on long-term and chronic care - to draw attention to how the segmentation of health care provision can create disruptions in patient care. Contributors to the book address the advantages and disadvantages of varying levels of state, federal and private involvement in long-term care and argue that for people to access appropriate long-term care, a careful balance of financing sources and integrated health care must be achieved.