EMERGING FEDERAL LEGISLATION

VCAL (8/1/03)

NCAL and AHCA are working with Congress to ensure the passage of the Long Term Care And Retirement Security Act of 2003 (S.1335), sponsored by Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) and co-sponsored by Senators Bob Graham (D-FL), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and John Breaux (D-LA) and a similar bill sponsored by U.S. Representatives Nancy Johnson (R-CT) and Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) in the House of Representatives. 

The legislation would amend the Internal Revenue Act of 1986 to allow individuals a deduction for qualified long term care insurance premiums, use of such insurance under cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangement, and a credit for individuals with long term care needs.  The tax incentives offered in this legislation will make long term care insurance more attractive and affordable, and will also empower individuals to choose whether their care needs can best be met at home, in a community-based setting, assisted living setting or in a nursing facility.

In addition, NCAL and AHCA continue to work with congressional staff on the development of Patient/Resident Safety legislation to provide legal protections for documents that providers can voluntarily submit related to resident/patient safety.