[NYAPRS Enews] New Measure Would Create Bipartisan Insurance Program for Americans with Disabilities

[Harvey Rosenthal]

Kennedy, Harkin, Dingell, Pallone Introduce Class Act

New Bipartisan Insurance Program Would Help Those with Severe Functional
Impairments Gain Independence

July 10, 2007

 

WASHINGTON, D.C   Today, Senators Edward Kennedy and Tom Harkin and
Representatives John Dingell and Frank Pallone introduced the Community
Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act of 2007 that would
create an insurance program for adults who become functionally disabled.


 

The measure would provide a cash benefit to help obtain services and
supports, while providing those with disabilities more choices on
community participation, education, and employment. 

 

Currently there are 10 million Americans in need of long term care
services, and the number is expected to increase to near 15 million by
2020. Too often, many individuals are forced to live in poverty just so
they can qualify for Medicaid to get the care they need, which is
counter to the American way.

 

Because of its common sense approach to helping Americans take their
future into their own hands while saving taxpayer dollars, the CLASS Act
has gained the support of over 100 groups representing the disabled, the
elderly, and America's workers.

 

"Too many Americans are perfectly capable of living a life in the
community, but are denied the supports they need," said Senator Kennedy.
"They languish in needless circumstances with no choice about how or
where to obtain these services. Too often, they have to give up the
American Dream the dignity of a job, a home, and a family so they can
qualify for Medicaid, the only program that will support them. The bill
we propose is a long overdue effort to offer greater dignity, greater
hope, and greater opportunity. It makes a simple pact with all Americans
'if you work hard and contribute, society will take care of you when you
fall on hard times.'"

 

"The CLASS Act is a cost effective way to ensure individuals maintain
freedom of choice throughout every stage of life," said Senator Harkin.
"This bill paves the way for more Americans to live independently and
with dignity."

 

"By removing barriers to independence, the CLASS Act will enable more
Americans to remain in their communities and empower more individuals to
make their own choices." said Congressman Dingell.

 

"As America continues to age, we are faced with an impending crisis in
long term care," Congressman Pallone said. "Today, we offer a new
approach that builds upon our existing safety net system and helps our
elderly and disabled finance the long term care they need to remain
active and productive members of their communities."

 

The CLASS Act is an important step in the evolution of public policy
because it is a framework based on the principles of independence,
choice, and empowerment. It is the framework needed to help individuals
gain the access they need to live independently. The CLASS Act does this
by establishing a national insurance program to be financed by voluntary
payroll deductions to provide benefits to adults who become severely
functionally impaired. To qualify for benefits, individuals must be 18
years old and have contributed to the program at least 5 years. All
working adults will be automatically enrolled in the program, unless
they choose not to be.

 

There are two benefit tiers: Tier 1 benefits ($50/day) will be payable
to eligible individuals who have 2 or more impairments on Activities of
Daily Living (ADLs) or the equivalent cognitive impairments.

 

Tier 2 benefits ($100/day) will be payable to individuals who have 4 or
more ADLs or the equivalent cognitive impairment.

 

This legislation builds on the promise and the possibility of the
Americans with Disabilities Act, and respects the rights and dignity of
all Americans especially our disabled and senior citizens, to live their
life as they choose....

 

SOURCE: Office of Senator Edward M. Kennedy 

 

**Bill Summary, Additional Information, and List of Supporters Available
At:

http://www.aapd.com/News/longtermcare/070710sek.htm 

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