GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
|
Sponsors: Representatives Warren; Cox, Earle, Insko, Morris, Russell, and Wainwright. |
|
|
|
Referred to: Aging, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House. |
|
|
A JOINT RESOLUTION URGING CONGRESS TO ADOPT INCENTIVES THAT ENCOURAGE THE PURCHASE OF PRIVATE LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE AND TO ELIMINATE FEDERAL BARRIERS TO THE EXPANSION OF MEDICAID LONG-TERM CARE PARTNERSHIP PLANS.
Whereas, 60% of persons who live to age 65 will need long-term care sometime during their lifetime; and
Whereas, the number of older adults in North Carolina is growing faster than in most other states and is expected to reach 21.4% of the State's population by year 2025; and
Whereas, as the number of people who need long-term care services grows, so will the need for additional public expenditures, posing major financial implications for state, county, and federal governments; and
Whereas, for many individuals and families, the need for long-term care can result in financial ruin or hardship; and
Whereas, private long-term care insurance can help pay for the costs of long-term care; and
Whereas, private long-term care insurance can not only help preserve individual or family assets, it also offers persons more choice of providers than does Medicaid or other public sources that pay for services; and
Whereas, Medicaid long-term care partnership plans encourage individuals to purchase private long-term care insurance by allowing covered persons to qualify for Medicaid when the private coverage is exhausted; and
Whereas, Medicaid long-term care partnership programs are limited by federal law to four states: California, Indiana, New York, and Connecticut; and
Whereas, legislation has been introduced in Congress to provide additional financial incentives to encourage the purchase of private long-term care insurance, to wit, federal tax deduction not tied to medical expenses, group coverage option for federal employees and certain family members, use of funds in flexible spending accounts, and allowing long-term care insurance coverage in cafeteria plans; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1. The North Carolina General Assembly urges Congress to enact federal incentives that encourage taxpayers to purchase private long-term care insurance.
SECTION 2. The North Carolina General Assembly urges Congress to repeal federal laws that limit the expansion of Medicaid long-term care partnership plans.
SECTION 3. The Secretary of State shall send certified copies of this resolution to all members of the North Carolina Congressional delegation, the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, the United States Secretary of Labor, the United States Secretary of the Treasury, and the President.
SECTION 4. This resolution is effective upon ratification.