Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr. (R-Louisiana) today took to the House floor to raise awareness for the rising challenges associated with long-term care insurance.  Although long-term care accounts for the single largest out-of-pocket expense of Medicare beneficiaries, two recent surveys by AARP reveal that a majority of adults remain unaware that Medicare will pay for long-term care coverage.  

Boustany, a retired cardiovascular surgeon, has been critical of the passive approach from the Department of Health and Human Services to clarify the widespread confusion documented by AARP and others.  In response, he has recently teamed up with Rep. Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin (D-SD) to introduce a bipartisan resolution to raise awareness for long-term care planning.

“As hard as my generation may try to avoid it, baby boomers will be confronted with rising healthcare costs sooner than we might expect,” Boustany said.  “With chronic illnesses and disabilities on the rise, healthcare costs will only increase as we live longer lives.  These afflictions require long-term care services, yet millions of Americans remain unaware that they are not provided under Medicare.”

The resolution (H.Con.Res.133) introduced by Reps. Herseth-Sandlin and Boustany supports the goals and ideals of a “Long-Term Care Awareness Week” during the week of November 4th – 10th, 2007; encourages Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt to educate Americans about long-term care; and urges all Americans to anticipate their future healthcare needs.  

“We owe it to America’s growing number of retirees to help them achieve greater health and financial security, as well as the peace of mind that their retirement plans are in place,” Boustany added.  “‘Long-Term Care Awareness Week’ provides a great opportunity to educate Americans on the likelihood of needing long-term care, the types and costs of available services, and the options to help plan and pay for their future.”

Organizations that support the long-term care resolution introduced by Reps. Herseth-Sandlin and Boustany include AARP, Families USA, the Alzheimer’s Association, National Council on Aging, the American Council of Life Insurers, the American Association for Long-Term care Insurance, the Association of Health Insurance Advisors, and America’s Health Insurance Plans.

Click here to view video of Congressman Boustany’s floor speech on long-term care.