This is a short session for Congress, because of the elections, so time to act on the legislation is limited. But both major political parties generally favor the concept of a federal long-term care program, which could be used to jump start a more ambitious, national program for other Americans. Both parties agree that policyholders should pay the full premium for long-term care coverage. Cleland's support for the program is based in part on brutal experience. And Mikulski says long-term care coverage eventually should be made available to everyone to help families avoid bankruptcy.
Important details remain to be decided.
Those are tough issues. But the momentum seems to be there. It's important for folks who want the group long-term care program to know the situation. Senate hearings have to take place, and both the House and Senate need to approve legislation before it can go to the White House. Once legislation is enacted, it could be up to two years before the government program is in place and people are covered.