The New York Times and Politico both offer analyses of what went wrong and what might happen next – including concerns from critics that CLASS could be revived at any time.
The New York Times: Still No Relief In Sight For Long-Terms Needs
The law that many Americans had hoped would transform the nation’s dysfunctional system of long-term care for the swelling ranks of people with disabilities and dementia quietly died this month, a victim of its own weaknesses, a toxic political environment and President Obama’s re-election campaign focus on jobs (Harris and Pear, 10/24).
Politico: CLASS Dismissal Leaves White House Without Plan B
If health reform’s long-term care insurance program dies, it’s not clear what would replace it. The Obama administration decided two weeks ago to suspend implementation of the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act, and now, the calls to repeal the program permanently are mounting. If that doesn’t happen, critics including the Chamber of Commerce, worry that the program could be revived at any time and become a drain on the federal budget (Norman, 10/24).