Hastings Introduces Resolution On Improving Access To Long-Term Health Care

Press Release

Hastings Introduces Resolution On Improving Access To Long-Term Health Care

Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings introduced a resolution calling for long-term care to be made a part of our nation's comprehensive health care reform agenda. (Please find attached a copy of the resolution)

"We are tasked with solving one of the most serious financial and health care crises of our era, Congress must implement a long-term plan to address the challenges we face," said Hastings.

Long-term care encompasses a broad range of health and social services that are used by people who cannot care for themselves because of a physical, cognitive, or mental disability. Over 9.4 million adults receive long-term care in America, and roughly 80 percent receive long-term care in their home and surrounding community. This number is expected to rise with a growing elderly population, longer life spans among the chronically ill, and higher incidences of acquired disabilities from unmanaged conditions such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

Hastings' resolution will improve the working conditions and training for home health aides, expand long-term care and health services, and promote preventative health measures to decrease the dependence on long-term care in the future.

"The lack of streamlined standards and dominant payment methods for long-term care has left our health care system in disarray, depriving countless people of much needed services and placing tremendous financial and emotional burden on families and caregivers. It is clear to me that this issue has been overlooked for too long. We must further improve our nation's health care system - the American people deserve nothing less."

Joining Hastings as original cosponsors of the resolution include: Representatives Donna Christensen, Barbara Lee, Robert Wexler, Gregory Meeks, Corrine Brown, John Conyers, Joe Courtney, Kathy Castor, Raúl Grijalva, Marcy Kaptur, James McGovern, Peter Welch and Barney Frank.

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