Public opinion surveys show that most Americans incorrectly think Medicare pays for long-term supports and services (LTSS). It does not.

But should it? Should Congress add a long-term care benefit to the program’s current package of insurance for hospital care, doctor visits, and drugs?

Three highly respected health researchers, Karen Davis, Amber Willink, and Cathy Schoen, think it should. In a blog post for the journal Health Affairs, they’ve proposed Medicare Help at Home. It has three elements: A limited benefit for support at home, a new health delivery model called an Integrated Care Organization that would provide both medical care and LTSS; and team-based home care.