…and so did USA Today

Donna Taylor

Today’s USA Today featured yet another article about the CLASS plan, but unlike the other coverage, this editiorial piece puts and name and a face on the importance of including long-term care in health reform.

The article starts with the story of Donna Taylor. If you read this blog, you’ve probably heard of Donna. She works full-time at one of our Arizona members and has been a caregiver for her parents and grandmother at the same time. As Donna tried to care for her loved ones, she faced an all too-common challenge in our country, affording the care her family members needed without impoverishing them or moving them into a nursing home.

Donna’s story symbolize  why the CLASS  plan  is such an important part of health reform. Take Donna’s dad. As a teacher, he could’ve signed up for the CLASS plan and gotten cash benefits to stay at home while he suffered from neuropathy. Instead, he had to move into a nursing home.

Or consider Donna’s daughter. If the CLASS plan is in place, her parents can pay her to help them around the house or cover the cost of a wheelchair. And wouldn’t have to choose between caregiving costs and summer camp for her children like Donna did.

All of us know someone like Donna. Now, it’s time to tell your Senators about it. Please use on Contact Congress system and tell your legislators why the CLASS plan must be part of health reform. People like Donna are counting on you.