[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 26 (Thursday, March 9, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1392-S1393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself and Mr. Graham):
  S. 2225. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow 
individuals a deduction for qualified long-term care insurance 
premiums, use of such insurance under cafeteria plans and flexible 
spending arrangements, and a credit for individuals with long-term care 
needs; to the Committee on Finance.


         The Long-Term Care and Retirement Security Act of 2000

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, long-term tax credits may seem like a 
dull topic. But the expenses of caring for an ailing family member are 
shocking. Millions of people bear these expenses every day, without any 
help.
  Here's a typical example: A state legislator from Ohio named Barbara 
Boyd testified before my Special Committee on Aging last year. Ms. Boyd 
cared at home for her mother who had Alzheimer's disease and breast 
cancer. Her mother had $20,000 in savings and a monthly Social Security 
check. That went quickly. Prescription drugs alone ran $400 a month.
  Antibiotics, ointments to prevent skin breakdown, incontinence 
supplies and other expenses cost hundreds of dollars a month. Ms. Boyd 
exhausted her own savings to care for her mother, and exhausted 
herself. She isn't complaining. Family caregivers don't complain. But 
we can and should use the tax code to ease their burden.
  Yesterday a bipartisan group of legislators, and two prominent 
groups--AARP and the Health Insurance Association of America, announced 
a consensus agreement on a legislative package to help people with a 
variety of long-term care needs. Our bill contains a tax deduction to 
encourage individuals to buy long-term care insurance. We want to help 
people to prepare for their health needs in retirement.

[[Page S1393]]

  The bill also contains a $3,000 tax credit for family caregivers 
caring for a disabled relative at home. Under this legislation, Ms. 
Boyd's mother could have purchased long-term care insurance long before 
she developed Alzheimer's. In addition, Ms. Boyd could have used the 
tax credit to help with the costs of the medications and medical 
supplies for her mother.
  I'm pleased that we have so much agreement in Washington about 
helping people with long-term care expenses. The legislators sponsoring 
this legislation have pushed for long-term care relief for years. 
Today, my colleagues and I will introduce this bill. We'll work to get 
it passed into law as soon as possible. An aging nation has no time to 
waste in preparing for long-term care. Family caregivers need immediate 
relief from their expensive and exhausting work.
  Joining me in introducing this bill is Senator Bob Graham of Florida, 
Representative Nancy Johnson, and Representative Karen Thurman.
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