WASHINGTON, Dec. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "The Senate's historic vote today helps move our country one step closer to the creation of a transformational national long-term services and supports insurance program (CLASS) to help pay for care for elders and people with disabilities. The Senate bill also includes means by which every American, young and old, can be insured for acute and long-term problems. It will stimulate innovation in future models of care, helps stabilize Medicare reimbursement for nursing homes, and expand Medicaid home and community based services.

"We are grateful to Senators Reid, Harkin, Dodd and Baucus for their leadership on a very difficult issue in a very difficult time in our country. We look forward to the day when the president will sign legislation enacting health reform."

About AAHSA

The members of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) help millions of individuals and their families every day through mission-driven, not-for-profit organizations dedicated to providing the services that people need, when they need them, in the place they call home. Our 5,700 member organizations, many of which have served their communities for generations, offer the continuum of aging services: adult day services, home health, community services, senior housing, assisted living residences, continuing care retirement communities and nursing homes. AAHSA's commitment is to create the future of aging services through quality people can trust.

SOURCE American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging