Washington, D.C.  – Today, Congressman John Dingell (D-MI15) spoke at the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health mark-up to try to persuade his colleagues not to repeal the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program.  H.R. 1173, the Fiscal Responsibility and Retirement Security Act of 2011, which would repeal the CLASS Act, unfortunately passed by a voice vote.  Below is his statement prepared for delivery:

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman.  As this Subcommittee heard just a few weeks ago from Assistant Secretary Greenlee and Assistant Secretary Glied, HHS has determined that the CLASS Act is unworkable at this time.  Assistant Secretary Greenlee also committed at the hearing to working with Congress, industry and consumers to explore options for affordable long-term care insurance for Americans.

“Like other Members of this Subcommittee I am disappointed that HHS is not moving forward with the CLASS Act.  However, I cannot in good conscience support repealing the CLASS Act when we have no viable alternative for affordable long-term care.  Repealing the CLASS Act does nothing to address the fact that private long-term care insurance options are limited and the costs are too burdensome for many American families.

“The CLASS Act was designed to fill an unmet need in our society – a need that will not disappear with repeal – to provide an affordable long-term care option for the 10 million Americans in need of long-term care now and the projected 15 million Americans that will need long-term care by 2020.

“We must leave the framework that we have before us in place and work with seniors, families, industry, HHS and others to find a way to make the CLASS Act or another long-term care program work.  We cannot and we must not allow Medicaid to continue to be the only affordable long-term care service available to Americans.  American families should not have to spend down their savings or assets to access long-term care.

“My career in Congress has been dedicated to expanding access to affordable, quality health care for all, and the CLASS Act furthers that goal.  It is clear that the CLASS Act is not perfect, but I believe strongly that we can find a way to make this program work and I hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will work with me to ensure that affordable long-term care is available for anyone who needs it.  Thank you.”

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