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Long-Term Care is the largest un-funded liability facing Americans today. HR
2096 would create a federal income tax credit of up to $3,000 to help families
with the cost of caring for a loved one at home, and would encourage private Long
Term Care coverage through an "above-the-line" federal tax deduction for Long
Term Care premium payments.
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On Wednesday, June 11, a Press Conference and day long lobbying event will be
held on Capitol Hill to generate support for HR 2096. Grangers are encouraged
to get involved in this event by participating in one-day email campaign the same
day. Please send an email to your U.S. Representative and House Ways and Means
Committee members on Wednesday, June 11, to urge them to co-sponsor HR
2096!
HR
2096, Long Term Care Retirement and Security Act of 2003, is a bipartisan legislation
to help millions of working Americans protect themselves against the often-catastrophic
costs of long-term care. Long Term Care (LTC) is the largest un-funded liability
facing Americans today. Those who must rely on Medicaid for LTC are captive to
spend down requirements, severe limitations on LTC settings and services, and
the consequences of under funding. A one-year nursing home stay can cost at least
$50,000 - yet fewer than 5% of those under sixty-five have an insurance policy
protecting against Long Term Care expenses. Bi-partisan
long-term care legislation has been introduced in the House seeking to address
this escalating crisis. Similar to legislation introduced in previous years, H.R.
2096 would create a federal income tax credit of up to $3,000 to help families
with the cost of caring for a loved one at home, and would simultaneously encourage
private Long Term Care coverage through an "above-the-line" federal tax deduction
for Long Term Care premium payments. H.R. 2096 would also provide for LTC policies
to be used in cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements. A private Long
Term Care insurance policy provides significant improvements in the quality of
life for both policyholders and caregivers while removing the burden of Long Term
Care from state and federal treasuries. It
is imperative we continue to build on the grassroots efforts of previous years
and generate broad, bi-partisan support for the Long-Term Care and Retirement
Security Act of 2003, H.R. 2096. We must keep the spotlight on this important
legislation! Members of Congress need to hear from you now about your strong support
for passage of H.R. 2096. The
National Grange, co-working with a broad-based coalition of seniors organizations,
caregivers and insurance companies for this issue, has signed on to the coalition
letter to Chairwoman Nancy Johnson and Representative Earl Pomeroy regarding
support for the Long-Term Care and Retirement Security Act of 2003. Further, national
legislative staffs will participate in June 11th Long-Term Care Advocacy Day event
by attending the press conference and visiting Sen. James Jeffords and Rep. Jim
McDermott. The
National Grange's position on this bill is spoken by the following policy:
The National Grange favors
income tax credits for those families who care for their elderly or handicapped
relatives who otherwise would become residents of a nursing home. We urge the
Congress to enact legislation to allow a line item tax deduction, regardless of
tax form used, for Long Term Care Insurance premiums and that the benefits paid
on all Long Term Care Policies shall not be considered taxable income. Action
Plan --- Please send an email to your U.S. Representative and House Ways and
Means Committee members on Wednesday, June 11, to urge them to co-sponsor HR 2096!
House
Representative | House
Ways and Means Committee Sample
Letter:
| Dear
Rep. _________ I
am writing to you urging your support for H.R. 2096 - "The Long-Term Care and
Retirement Security Act of 2003". Long-term care is the number one un-funded liability
facing Americans today. It is imperative that we help protect and safeguard families
struggling with the costs associated with long-term care. H.R.
2096 would provide essential tax relief (up to $3,000) to help families defray
the cost of much-needed health services that would enhance the quality of life
for both people needing long-term care and their caregivers. The
bill would also help families plan ahead by allowing a federal tax deduction for
long-term care insurance premium payments. Encouraging people to plan ahead saves
scarce Medicaid funds for the truly needy. The
elderly population in this country is increasing rapidly. It is estimated that
in 2020, one of six Americans will be age 65 or older, and by 2040, individuals
85 and older will more than triple to over 12 million. This demographic tidal
wave threatens to overwhelm our nation's public long-term care assistance programs.
Most Americans
are unprepared to meet their future long-term care needs on their own. A one-year
nursing home stay costs $50,000 or more. Without substantial assistance, the full
cost of long-term care is out of reach for most families. Helping
families to afford long-term care insurance will encourage many more Americans
to take personal responsibility for their long-term care needs, preserving public
funds for those who need them. I urge you to co-sponsor this bill, if you have
not already done so, and support its passage. Sincerely,_________________ |
If you have any
questions or comments please contact Legislative Research Analyst Chil-Sook
Hwang by fax: 202-347-1091 or by phone: 1-888-4GRANGE, ext 109. Thank you
for your grassroots participation in the National Grange Legislative program.
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