I’ve just started a column for Kaiser Health News, a brand new independent news service. I’ll be writing twice a month on long-term care issues, looking at policy, new research, and on-the-ground community ideas for improving long-term supports and services.

My first piece, published this morning, looks at Senate HELP Committee Chairman Ted Kennedy’s CLASS Act. While the measure, which would create national long-term care insurance for all, is not perfect, I hope it will start a badly-needed discussion on how we finance the way we care for our parents and those with disabilities. Take a look and let me know what you think.