Many seniors and younger people with disabilities are forced into poverty or unnecessary institutional care because they lack coverage for long term services and supports that would enable them to remain in their homes. They often can only access coverage for services critical to their independence through the federal/state Medicaid program.  Because the Medicaid program is for low income people, in order to qualify, people must "spend down" their income and assets. With their functional impairments, few people with disabilities will overcome this impoverishment.

The time has come for a national program that will provide funding for these long term services and supports - such as housing modifications, assistive technologies, transportation, respite care, and personal assistance services - in a fiscally responsible manner that promotes independence, choice and family unification.

The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act is  HR 1721 and S 697.