AAHSA commends the U.S. House of Representatives for passing health reform legislation

The following is a statement from Larry Minnix, President & CEO, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, on passage of Health Reform Legislation:

"We commend the U.S. House of Representatives for passing health reform legislation. Our country has a moral imperative to provide affordable access to health care, and this legislation will help do just that through significant improvements to Medicare, Medicaid and long-term care services.

"The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act provisions included in the legislation will help seniors and people with disabilities obtain the services and supports they need to stay functional and independent, while providing them with choices about community participation, education and employment. We look forward to working with Congress and the Obama administration to implement this new insurance program that will help people take responsibility for their care as they age.

"We urge the Senate to pass the reconciliation bill without amendments to allow our country to move quickly to implementation of these provisions."