Support the CLASS Act

The CLASS Act will help adults with severe functional impairments obtain the services and supports they need to stay functional and independent, while providing them with choices about community participation, education and employment.

The Need

Currently, 10 million Americans need long term services and supports, and the number is expected to increase to near 15 million by 2020.

Most private-sector disability or long-term care insurance plans cannot offer protection at an affordable price. People cannot receive benefits tailored to their needs through Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) or Old, Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) programs.

As a result, most Americans who have severe functional impairments must rely on Medicaid for the services that keep them independent--such as housing modifications, assistive technologies, transportation, and personal assistance services.  Their reliance on Medicaid creates a strong incentive for them to “spend down” assets and remain poor and unemployed.  By paying 50% of the costs of long term services, Medicaid is expected to add $44 billion annually to its cost over the next decade.  

The Solution

The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act of 2009 (CLASS Act) will offer an alternative path. It will create a new national insurance program to help these adults remain independent, employed, and a part of their community.

Find Out More

• Bill Summary
• NCOA Issue Brief - Background on financial long-term care
• Pass the CLASS Act Resources from the CLASS Act Coalition
• Full Text of Bill and Status in Congress
  • S.697
  • HR 1721
• Letter to Congress (pdf file) from 95 members of the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations, supporting the CLASS Act
• HHS Secretary Sebelius Letter (pdf file) in support of inclusion of the CLASS Act in Senate health reform legislation

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