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New Brunswick, NJ --- One week before his Subcommittee will hold a hearing on strengthening federal programs for disabled Americans, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, held a roundtable discussion today with the leaders of New Jersey's disability groups to discuss the problems disabled New Jerseyans currently face in obtaining the long term care and support services they need to live long and independent lives.
Currently, there are 10 million Americans in need of long term care services, and the number is expected to increase to near 15 million by 2020. Too often, disabled individuals are forced to live in poverty just so they can qualify for Medicaid to get the care they need.
The New Jersey congressman is one of the authors of the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act of 2007, which is based on the principles of independence, choice and empowerment. It is the framework needed to help individuals gain access they need to live independently.
The CLASS Act would create an insurance program for adults who become functionally disabled. The bill would provide cash benefits to help obtain both services and support, while providing those with disabilities more choices on community participation, education and employment.
"As America continues to age, we are faced with an impending crisis in long term care," Pallone said. "With the introduction of the CLASS Act, I am offering a new approach that builds upon our existing safety net system and helps our elderly and disabled finance the long terms care they need to remain active and productive members of their communities."
The insurance program would be financed by voluntary payroll deductions to provide benefits to adults who become severely functionally impaired. To qualify for benefits, individuals must be 18 years old and have contributed to the program for at least five years. All working adults will be automatically enrolled in the program unless they choose not to be.
Pallone was joined at today's roundtable by William Ditto, Director of the New Jersey Division of Disability Services, Lowell Arye, Executive Director of the Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities, Anita Clavering, Systems Advocacy Coordinator for the Alliance for Disabled in Action, Inc., Douglas McGruther, Deputy Director of the New Jersey Council of Developmental Disabilities and leaders of the Arc of New Jersey.
Next Wednesday, Pallone will chair a Health Subcommittee hearing in Washington entitled "Helping Families with Needed Care: Medicaid's Critical Role for Americans with Disabilities." |
