The number of older Latinos is increasing rapidly and many of its members are in poor health, economically disadvantaged, and reliant on publicly-funded programs that are at risk of continuing cutbacks and restructuring. Such changes limit this population's access to health and long-term care services and shift an increasing amount of responsibility to the Latino family. This article reviews the demographic, economic, and health data of the Latino population and also discusses current and proposed changes under Medicare and Medicaid and the potential impact of these revisions on the Latino population. The authors argue that the needs of younger and older Latinos are linked and any program and policy to improve the situation of the elderly must confront the vulnerabilities of all family members.
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