AARP: CLASS Program Gives Americans New Option to Plan for Long-Term Care

AARP Executive Vice President John Rother released this statement following today’s remarks by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program, a voluntary insurance option for long-term services and supports created in the Affordable Care Act:

“American families are struggling with the staggering cost of long-term care while state governments look to reduce costs in their Medicaid programs—the largest payers of long-term care.  The CLASS program created by the Affordable Care Act gives Americans a new option to plan for the cost of long-term services and supports through a voluntary insurance program.  At the same time, the program will help take some of the burden off of Medicaid over time as more people are able to plan and pay for their own care.

“We know that 86 percent of our members want to live in their homes for as long as possible, yet too few are able to get the services they need to continue living independently.  The CLASS program can help offer peace of mind to American families and help cover some of the costs of services and supports they need to live independently in their homes and communities.  AARP is committed to giving our members and all older Americans the information they need in the coming months and years to decide if CLASS is right for them.”