By now, long-term care providers and consumers may know something about MRSA, the antibiotic-resistant infection. But chances are they don't know nearly enough. If you want to learn more--and believe me, you need to learn more--pick up a copy of Maryn McKenna's new book Superbug. (Free Press 2010). Part detective story, part expose, part careful explanation of the science of bacteria, Superbug is a frightening [...]
Private long-term care insurance got a nice boost from a new study by the federal Department of Health and Human Services. The report, by the consulting firm LifePlans Inc, concluded that nearly 98 percent of those filing claims against their LTC policies received benefits, despite articles by The New York Times and others suggesting that claims denials are widespread. The study also [...]
A new model from the SCAN Foundation and the consulting firm Avalere Health concludes that premiums for a national voluntary long-term care insurance program similar to the newly-enacted CLASS Act would average about $115-a-month. The study concludes that a mandatory long-term care insurance program could provide identical benefits for one-third the cost, or about $40. Premiums would vary by the buyer's age and increase by inflation over time. The CLASS [...]
The new health law creates, for the first time, a national, voluntary long-term care insurance system called the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act. Participation will be optional, but if you enroll, you'll get a basic cash benefit for life to help pay for personal assistance if you are disabled or very frail and unable to care for [...]
Earlier this week, I participated in a panel with Connie Garner, the Senate staffer who was a key architect of the CLASS Act, the national long-term care insurance program that is included in the new health reform law. Garner challenged the audience, which included several private long-term care insurance company execs, to work with her to help turn CLASS into workable [...]