The CLASS Act (Community Living Assistance Services and Support Act) is a voluntary, federally administered, consumer-financed insurance plan. It became law when President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on March 23, 2010. The CLASS plan provides those who participate with cash to help pay for needed assistance, if they become functionally limited, in a place they call home — from independent living to a nursing facility, if they choose.
Action alert from The Arc ...
On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives is expected vote on H.R. 1173, a bill to repeal the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Program. The CLASS program was created to help pay for services and supports to help working adults maintain independence in the community.
It is vital for you to contact your representative today and let him/her know that you oppose a repeal of CLASS before they vote.
What Will Happen if CLASS is Repealed?
If CLASS is repealed, Congress will continue to ignore the real and growing crisis of long term services and supports. Medicaid will continue to take on the load of long term service needs for most Americans, leaving hundreds of thousands on waiting lists. People with disabilities will continue to have few options to live in the community.
Average home and community-based care now costs over $21,000 per year. Few Americans have insurance to cover these costs. Only 3% have private long term care insurance and the majority are forced to impoverish themselves to qualify for Medicaid.
It had been decades since Congress dealt seriously with long term services and supports when it passed the CLASS program. Do you really want to wait another generation?
What Can I Do to Help?
Alert your friends, family, and colleagues that this vote is happening.
Call your Representatives toll-free at 866-898-2624 to let them know that the CLASS Act is the only framework that exists in the law to help fix how we pay for long term services and supports. To find your representative click here. Now is the time to make your voices heard!
What to Say:
• I urge Representative _______________ not to repeal the CLASS Act.
• It is the only framework that exists to help fix how we pay for long-term services and supports.
For more information:
2025 E. Main St.
Suite 107
Richmond, Va 23223
P: (804) 649-8481
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