Well if anyone thought ObamaCare was going to help the cognitively disabled - as was promised - think again. It's amazing to me how our "leaders" can pass laws, pat themselves on the back, then never fund them and turn around and repeal them at the first opportunity. Amazing!

I do not mean to start a political discussion -I know that is off limits - but just to pass on the information....

http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/inside-politics/2013/jan/1/fiscal-cliff-deal-repeals-part-obamacare/

Here's what CLASS was had been meant to accomplish:
Policy Implications
Over 10 million Americans need long-term services and supports to assist them in life’s daily activities and that
number is expected to grow with the aging of the population and growing number of people with disabilities.4 With
the creation of the CLASS program, working adults will be given the opportunity to plan for future long-term care
needs. By providing a basic cash benefit to those who meet work and functional limitation requirements, CLASS
enrollees will be able to purchase non-medical services and supports such as home health care or adult day care.
The CLASS program is not designed to replace the need for basic health insurance or for long-term care coverage
through Medicaid or private long-term care insurance, rather it will supplement this coverage by providing
a mechanism to pay for non-medical expenses that allow a person with a disability to remain independent.
Individuals who wish to purchase more comprehensive long-term services and supports coverage can continue to
do so through the private insurance market. Individuals who are low-income, or become low-income as a result
of their medical expenses or other factors, will still qualify for Medicaid long-term services and supports.
The CBO estimates that the CLASS Act will reduce the federal deficit by $70.2 billion over the course of a ten year
period.5 These estimates are based on an average monthly premium of $123 and a cash daily benefit of $75 for
life, with no underwriting.6 The CBO also estimates a reduction in Medicaid spending over 10 years because more
individuals would be served in community-based settings than in institutional settings and some individuals who
receive CLASS benefits would avoid qualifying for Medicaid. The estimated reduction in the federal budget deficit
over the 10 year period is the result of the five-year vesting requirement – requiring individuals to contribute
premiums for a minimum of five years before they can begin to collect benefits.
While the CLASS benefit is not designed to cover the entire costs associated with long-term care needs, it is
structured to help offset the costs incurred by millions of adults with chronic and disabling conditions. CLASS
has the potential to reduce reliance on Medicaid and provide relief for family caregivers. However, the payout of