CLASS Act Insurance program for elderly and disabled included in HCR

[Cetacea]

WASHINGTON, Dec 23 (Reuters) - A new government insurance program that would help the elderly and disabled stay in their homes is headed for passage in the U.S. Senate's sweeping health care revamp despite doubts about its viability and cost.

The measure has not received the intense scrutiny focused on a proposed government-run medical coverage plan, which has been jettisoned from the the Senate's health care bill and is unlikely to be restored in final legislation.

But the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act, which was championed by the late Senator Edward Kennedy, is a significant program that supporters say is long overdue and critics say could add to the federal treasury's long-term debt problems...

more: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2211966120091223?type=marketsNews