Statement from Larry Minnix, President & CEO, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, on President Obama's Health Care Reform Proposal

WASHINGTON, Feb. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- We commend President Obama for including the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) provisions in his health care reform proposal. The CLASS provisions were carefully crafted to ensure affordability, accessibility and fiscal solvency for long-term services and supports. 

Despite the heated rhetoric around health reform, the need for transforming how we pay for long-term services and supports still exists. We need leadership now to bring health reform that will ensure choice and quality for older adults and people with disabilities. These provisions reinforce strong pieces from both the House and Senate bills that, when combined, can move us to a system with better access, more choice and lower costs.

There is a human right to basic and compassionate long-term services and supports regardless of age, income, illness or condition of life, and a morally responsible society has an obligation to assure that it is provided. We urge Congress to work together and pass health reform legislation. 

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