AAHSA commends Senator Reid for including CLASS provisions in health reform bill

The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) commends Senator Reid (D-Nev.) for his leadership on ensuring that the Community Living and Supportive Services (CLASS) Plan provisions are included in the Senate's health reform bill. Long-term services and supports are an essential part of health care and the financing of them is in dire need of reform. We are also grateful to Sen. Dodd (D-Conn.) for carrying the torch for Sen. Kennedy on the CLASS provisions, Sen. Gregg (R-NH) for bringing bipartisan support with his significant contributions to the CLASS Plan, and Sen. Baucus (D-Mont.) for offering improvements in Medicaid and Medicare that will help seniors and younger people with disabilities.

These Senators join Rep. Pelosi (D-Calif.), Rep. Rangel (D-N.Y.) Rep. Dingell (D-Mich.), and Rep. Pallone (D-N.J.), who all took leadership roles in the House's health reform bill, which also includes CLASS. Rep. Barton (R-Texas) brought bipartisan support through his floor statements on CLASS.

The CLASS provisions were carefully crafted to ensure affordability, accessibility and fiscal solvency. Participation would be voluntary and the premiums will cover the costs, not placing any drain on the federal budget. The result would be a system that supports America's families and has the potential for significant Medicaid savings.

We urge the Senate to join the House and keep provisions in the health reform bill that will make it affordable to care for families and caregivers.