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Frequently Asked Questions
About CLASS and long term care
What is CLASS?
The Affordable Care Act authorized the creation of the CLASS Program -- a national, voluntary insurance program. Due to the October 14, 2011, announcement by HHS Secretary Sebelius that implementation of the CLASS Program has been suspended, the CLASS Program is not available. Use the following link to read the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) October 14 Report
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When will CLASS be available?
HHS Secretary Sebelius announced that implementation of the CLASS Program has been suspended. This program is not available, and no benefit plan announcement is expected.
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What is long term care?
Long term care refers to care that individuals may need for a long time because they are unable to take care of themselves due to an illness, disease, the aging process, or cognitive impairment (for example, Alzheimer’s disease).
Most long term care is non-skilled personal care, such as help with everyday tasks, called Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):
- Bathing,
- Dressing,
- Using the toilet,
- Transferring (moving to or from a bed or chair),
- Caring for incontinence, and
- Eating.
The goal of long term care is to provide help with routine functions when being fully independent is not possible. Long term care can be provided at home, in a community setting or in an institution. Most people prefer to receive long term care at home.
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Who needs long term care?
The need for long term care can strike anyone at any age. While many people who need long term care are age 65 or older, a person can need long term care services at any age. Forty percent of people currently receiving long term care are adults 18 to 64 years old1.
Factors that increase your risk of needing long term care include:
- Age – The risk generally increases as you get older.
- Marital Status – Single people are more likely to need care from a paid provider.
- Gender – Women are at a higher risk than men, primarily because they tend to live longer
- Lifestyle – Poor diet and exercise habits can increase your risk.
- Health and Family History – These can also impact your risk.
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Will Medicare and/or my health insurance pay for any long term care services I might need?
Generally, no. Medicare pays for nursing home care and/or home care only under limited circumstances after a hospital stay and only for a limited time period. Medicare and health insurance pay for acute care, generally needed for a defined period of time with an expectation that you will recover or your condition will improve. Long term care is chronic care (ongoing and long-lasting). It is not acute care.
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Footnotes
1Georgetown University Long-Term Care Financing Project. “Long-Term Care Financing Policy Options for the Future,” June 2007.
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| Last Modified: 1/4/2012 9:47:08 AM |
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