[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S6619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    FEDERAL LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE

  Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, 10 years have passed since the first 
consumer enrolled in the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program, an 
insurance option for Federal employees, retirees and their loved ones 
created by the Long-Term Care Security Act. This law set a new standard 
regarding providing for the unique and important medical needs of 
seniors and individuals with disabilities. Participants in the program 
are now confident that they will receive help financing the care that 
they may require. I am pleased to recognize the 10th anniversary of the 
first enrollment in this important program, and I am proud that its 
administration is handled by Long Term Care Partners, LLC, which is 
located in my home State of New Hampshire.
  Today, 1 in 10 Americans aged 55 and older carries a long-term care 
insurance policy; however, it is estimated that 70 percent of people 
over age 65 will eventually require long-term care. Our Nation's 
changing demographics and significant medical advances have contributed 
to an aging population, and addressing the issue of how best to care 
for seniors and individuals with disabilities should be part of our 
national discourse on how we support ourselves and our families. These 
services are critical for so many Americans who need assistance to 
continue living independently and actively in their communities.
  The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program was the first benefit 
offered to the Federal workforce that was completely employee-funded, 
coming at no cost to the taxpayer. The program is unique in that, at 
the time of its inception, it was the first benefit offered uniformly 
to all Federal employees, including military personnel and staff of the 
U.S. Postal Service. It is also the Nation's first successful large-
scale, long-term care insurance program with consistent benefits, 
regardless of where the recipient lives.
  With nearly 270,000 enrollees, the Federal Long Term Care Insurance 
Program has made a difference in the lives of so many in the Federal 
workforce. It is the largest group long-term care insurance program in 
the country and has already paid nearly $215 million in claims. The 
program helps its beneficiaries stay where they are most comfortable, 
with more than 85 percent of these claims going to home and community-
based services.
  Every family needs to plan for retirement and how to best care for 
aging loved ones and those with disabilities. Long-term care insurance 
is one way that millions of Americans get the support they need to 
remain independent and active in their communities. For Federal 
employees, the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program is an important 
option that provides a sense of security and comfort in knowing that 
family members will be cared for in times of need.
  I stand today to recognize the Federal Long Term Care Insurance 
Program's 10th anniversary and to wish the program continued success as 
it embarks on its second decade of assisting Federal employees and 
their families in planning for their retirements.

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