Long Term Services Provisions Gain Bi-Partisan Approval in Senate HELP Committee Health Legislation Mark Up

The Senate HELP Committee today finished marking up long-term service provisions, also known as the Community Living Assistance Supports and Services (CLASS) Act, included in the panel's healthcare overhaul. The measure received bi-partisan support from the committee after members agreed by voice vote to add a provision that would ensure the program’s solvency. ANCOR supports the CLASS Act, which creates a voluntary opt-out payroll deduction that would provide people experiencing functional impairments with tiered benefits if they have contributed a monthly premium over five years. The Congressional Budget Office estimated the program will save the government $58 billion over the first 10 years—taking pressure off Medicaid as the primary financier of long-term care. In addition, the program would be a new, private source of funding for ANCOR members and others that provide long-term supports and services. The Obama administration supports including the long-term care measures in healthcare reform. In a letter sent to Senate Democrats today, HHS Secretary Sebelius called the plan "innovative."

Thank you to ANCOR members that urged their Senators to support the CLASS Act and the inclusion of long-term services and supports in health reform legislation.