LeadingAge Commends Congress on Avoiding Fiscal Cliff

Organization Will Work With Congress to Support New Long-Term Care Commission

WASHINGTON, Jan. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- LeadingAge, an association of more than 6,000 not-for-profit aging services providers nationwide, commends Congress on avoiding the fiscal cliff with the passing of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. The bill repeals the Community Living Assistance Services and Support Act (CLASS Act) and replaces it with a long-term care commission similar to one LeadingAge had recommended to address the broad question of how to best provide long-term services and supports.

With the exception of the repeal of CLASS, this legislation avoids large-scale reductions in vital programs affecting aging services providers and the seniors they serve, but leaves significant questions about reforming the tax code, entitlement "reform," long-term care, and funding for housing for the rest of this year.

"We are pleased that the Fiscal Cliff deal stabilizes the economic lives of the vast majority of the people and families our 6,000 members serve," says Larry Minnix, president & CEO of LeadingAge. "It prevented further cuts in benefits and payment for services. The bill has its priorities straight."

"The bill also created a commission to address the future needs to fund long-term services and supports. Hopefully, the new commission will recommend a better way to fund this family need and the overburdened Medicaid program," Minnix says. "If not CLASS, which was repealed in the bill, then what? This public problem must be solved."

LeadingAge will work aggressively with Congress and the White House to support the commission's work.

About LeadingAge

To expand the world of possibilities for aging, LeadingAge members and affiliates touch the lives of 4 million individuals, families, employees and volunteers every day. The LeadingAge community (www.LeadingAge.org) includes 6,000 not-for-profit organizations in the United States, 39 state partners, hundreds of businesses, research partners, consumer organizations, foundations and a broad global network of aging services organizations that reach over 30 countries.  The work of LeadingAge is focused on advocacy, education, and applied research. We promote adult day services, home health, hospice, community-based services, PACE, senior housing, assisted living residences, continuing care communities, nursing homes as well as technology solutions and person-centered practices that support the overall health and wellbeing of seniors, children, and those with special needs.

SOURCE LeadingAge