Health Care Reform and Home Aid

A provision to help older adults and people with disabilities receive care in their homes and communities is a major component of health care reform legislation moving through Congress. The CLASS (Community Living Assistance Services and Supports) Act is a voluntary insurance program that would be financed through monthly premiums from payroll deductions. People who qualify could use the benefit toward non-medical expenses, such as help with daily activities or modifying a house to accommodate a disability.

During two interviews, U.S. Reps. Michael C. Burgess, R-Texas., and Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., share their views on the initiative with "Inside E Street" host, Sheilah Kast. In this six-minute clip, Rep. Burgess outlines his objections to the measure and suggests potential solutions to the problem of affordable care. Rep. Van Hollen then explains why he supports the initiative.
 
While characterizing himself as a firm believer in long-term care insurance, Rep. Burgess says the proposed program is poorly constructed. The initiative, he says, would give people a false sense of security—because, in his view, the money that people would receive (averaging around $50 per day) would do little to cover care expenses. Burgess suggests the plan would be stronger if co-pays or skilled nursing services were included.
 
What's needed, Burgess says, is more education about long-term care insurance options, a tax deduction for care expenses, and the ability to use health savings accounts to pay for this type of care.
 
The voluntary program would work as promised, counters Rep. Van Hollen, and would supplement other aid programs, filling a coverage gap and easing the financial burden of care. The program would be backed by the government, he adds, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services would be able to adjust premiums to ensure that the program remains solvent. Van Hollen says that the plan improves on what's currently available to help Americans pay for these services—which, he points out, is nothing.
 
Watch the full "Inside E Street" episode, "Health Reform Over 50." You'll learn about key provisions in the House bill, including the "doughnut hole" gap in prescription drug coverage, preventive care, and setting limits on the insurance company practice of charging older adults more for coverage.