Government Long-Term Care Insurance

One of the items in the new health insurance legislation has not been mentioned, except by a small article in the New York Times.

It is called "The Class Act"

The Class Act, .... sets up a voluntary government-run long-term care insurance program available through employers. Those who participate will pay monthly premiums. After five years, they’ll be covered and can receive benefits if they need care — whether they are 20-somethings in snowboard accidents or 80-somethings with Parkinson’s disease.

The program is not designed to pay the entire cost of long-term care, which can reach horrifying levels, but it will provide substantial help. And because participants will receive cash — $50 a day or more, depending on how disabled they are — they can buy the kind of assistance that makes sense to them. One person may choose to retrofit his home so he can remain there; another may hire a home care aide or a family member who wants to help but can’t afford to forgo income. People can use their Class benefits for assistive devices, adult day programs, assisted living or nursing homes.

I made the mistake when telling a friend about this program. I said it would cover custodial care, but there is no mention of this.

I guess this program is better than just expanding Medicare to offer these services, but I'm not really sure.