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Governor Douglas Signs Long-term Care Laws
Montpelier, Vt., May 21, 2004--At a ceremony hosted by AARP Vermont,
Governor Jim Douglas signed two bills into law that will significantly
enhance long-term care options for Vermont's senior citizens, and
help protect elderly and disabled Vermonters from having to spend
their nest egg before becoming eligible for Medicaid.
Both measures were proposed by the Governor and are key component
of Douglas' comprehensive health care reform package: "A Prescription
for a Healthy Vermont."
"
For the first time since 1989 when Vermont's first long-term Care
Act was adopted, my administration looked very closely at all of
the issues surrounding long-term care for elderly and disabled Vermonters," Douglas
said. "After reviewing the situation, I decided that long-term
care reforms must be an integral component of my health care reform
package."
AARP-Vermont president Nancy Lang praised the legislation. "Quality
long-term care choices and progressive funding approaches are key
to the health and well-being of thousands of older Vermonters and
their families," Lang said. "These two bills seek to improve
access and choice of care while simplifying ways to plan ahead through
long-term care insurance."
Governor Douglas said he was pleased that the Legislature strongly
supported his proposals. "I am equally pleased to sign them
into law," he said. "One, after related legislation passes
through the Congress, will protect low and middle-income seniors
from having to spend their nest egg and retirement savings before
becoming eligible for Medicaid. The other will help us expand our
home- and community-based long-term care options."
Governor Jim Douglas signs into law H.735 Improving Availability of Home and Community Based Care Services and H.737 Long-term Care Insurance.
Governor Jim Douglas speaks on the importance of long-term care options for Vermont seniors.