Straight Talk With Sam - Long Term Care for Seniors

Volume 4, Issue 32, August 9, 2004

STRAIGHT TALK WITH SAM

Long Term Care for Seniors

Currently, many seniors rely on long-term care including nursing homes, home health, and hospices for basic living needs and supervisory care. That number will increase as the baby-boomer generation begins to retire in large numbers.

At the same time, there is an increasing shortage of staff in all health fields. Research demonstrates that there is a strong correlation between quality of care, staffing levels and overall cost. We need to address the staffing shortages to help bridge the gap of quality care and costs.

Simple access to long-term care services continues to be a problem, particularly in rural areas. I believe we need legislation that addresses these concerns.

Last Congress, I cosponsored legislation that would allow for a tax deduction for eligible long-term care insurance premiums for a taxpayer, spouse, and dependents. In addition, the bill would allow for long-term care insurance to be offered under cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements. The legislation also would have allowed an income-adjusted credit for eligible individuals with long-term care needs.

I am determined to make certain seniors, particularly those in rural areas, to have affordable access to quality long-term care.