During the opening session of the American Health Care Association’s 18th Annual Congressional Conference, speakers discussed health care issues of importance to the association. Of most importance to the conference was the issue of funding reforms for long-term health care. Other issues discussed included the elimination of the three day prior hospital stay to qualify for Medicaid, a new reimbursement system for Medicaid, and Medicaid reimbursement for sub-acute care. Dr. Sullivan spoke on the U.S. long-term health care system which costs the U.S. government $26 billion annually. Giving a broad outline of the debate on long-term health care, Dr. Sullivan advocated programs designed to keep the elderly active as long as possible to avoid long-term health care for as long as possible. He stressed the need to maintain the nation’s health care funds for the poor rather than those who can pay their own way. Sen. Cohen, member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, also spoke on long-term health care and predicted reforms would extend the current system of health care rather than inflict mandates on American business.