FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2009
Contact
AARP Media Relations, media@aarp.org
AARP Statement on the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Program
WASHINGTON— AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond released this statement today in support of the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program:
“Decades of talking to our members tell us that older Americans want to live in their homes as they age. That’s why AARP strongly supports the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program, which recognizes that older individuals and persons with disabilities should have the right to live independently in their own homes and communities, and to receive the help they need without having to spend down to poverty.
“With nearly 40 million members age 50-plus, AARP has fought to strengthen long-term services and supports. We thank the House and Senate for including the CLASS program in their health care reform bills. The voluntary CLASS insurance program will promote independence, choice, dignity and personal responsibility. It is self-funded and fiscally responsible. AARP believes the CLASS program has been strengthened throughout the legislative process. We look forward to working with Senate, House, and Administration to enact this critical program. America’s seniors and persons with disabilities deserve nothing less.”
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's nearly 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
