In light of recent interest at the federal and state levels in requiring financial
contributions from adult children of parents who are Medicaid recipients, this
article examines advantages and disadvantages of states'enactingfamily responsi
bility statutes. Past and recent experience with these laws are described, as well as
impacts on families. From the evidence reviewed, it is concluded that mandated
family responsibility does result in saving of public monies, but may not be a
desirable route to reducing public expenditures for nursing home care.
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