Statement by Advance CLASS on Upcoming Energy & Commerce
Hearing on Long‐Term Care and Support

WASHINGTON – Connie Garner, PhD, executive director of the Advance Class Coalition, today released the following statement regarding next week's House Energy & Commerce, Subcommittee on Health, hearing entitled, "The Implementation and Sustainability of the New, Government‐Administered Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Program."

"Life throws curve balls, and when the unexpected occurs, individuals often need help with basic services like bathing, eating and moving around. And that's where the CLASS program comes in.

"Americans will soon have the option to enroll in a quality, affordable program that gives them peace of mind and financial support. Most of all, it will help people help themselves in a place they know – home.

"Over the next several months, officials at the Department of Health and Human Services will fill in the blanks by detailing benefit plans and announcing how they will make the program solvent without taxpayer funding, which the law requires.

"Our sincerest hope is that critics will keep an open mind and reserve judgment on CLASS until that work is complete."

ABOUT ADVANCE CLASS

Advance CLASS is the premier national advocacy organization dedicated to the implementation of a strong and vital long‐term services and supports program. The group is an independent 501(c)(3) organization, comprised of prominent national organizations who specialize in serving the most vulnerable in both the aging and disability communities. For more information, visit http://www.advanceclass.org.