LeadingAge Statement on the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Hearing on the CLASS Act

WASHINGTON, March 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- LeadingAge President & CEO Larry Minnix testified before the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee today on the importance of the CLASS insurance program for all Americans, saying:

"Long-term care is something most families will face, and no one wants to talk about. The CLASS program creates a consumer-financed, premium-based, voluntary insurance plan to help people finance whatever long-term services and supports they come to need.

"Numerous surveys and focus groups have found that many Americans do understand that total long-term supports and services are not fully covered by other government or private programs. The discussions around the implementation of CLASS, including this hearing, will further increase public awareness of the need for effective planning and personal responsibility.

"We support U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Assistant Secretary Kathy Greenlee in their work to ensure that CLASS is a solvent and successful program. We all have a job to do in educating the public about the importance of CLASS and preparing for the need for long-term services and supports."

LeadingAge commends the Committee for recognizing the importance of the CLASS insurance program and, as Minnix stated in his testimony, urges the Committee to allow the Secretary of Health & Human Services the time to develop this program so that it is solvent and sustainable.

About LeadingAge

LeadingAge is an association of 5,500 not-for-profit organizations dedicated to expanding the world of possibilities for aging. We advance policies, promote practices and conduct research that supports, enables and empowers people to live fully as they age.

SOURCE LeadingAge