Senate to Debate on Health Reform and Elder Justice Act December 1
On December first, the U.S. Senate will begin debates on its version of healthcare reform including a considerable expansion of the Elder Justice Act and other issues concerning seniors and long-term care. The Senate’s version is reportedly more extensive than the House’s bill. The main issues in both reforms include more effective worker screening programs with national background checks. In addition, the Senate’s version incorporates an increase in federal aid for elder abuse identification and requires long-term care providers to report cases as well as implement new anti-abuse programs alongside the Department of Health and Human Service.
Other provisions include Medicare market basket payment updates for 2010, long-term insurance programs and the expansion of Medicaid to community-based and home services. The Senate’s reform will also implement the Community Living Assistance Services and Support (CLASS) Act, which enable long-term care insurance programs for current workers to pay gradually in preparation for elder years.
Elder abuse has become a growing problem within the U.S. According to a study done by the National Institute of Justice last March, about 11% of people aged 60 and older suffer from some kind of abuse each year. Other studies indicate that victims of elder abuse and neglect are twice as likely to die within a year. Aside from physical abuse, financial exploitation of elderly persons cost up to $2.6 billion a year.
Victims of elderly abuse and exploitation have the right to file a lawsuit against negligent parties. Elder abuse is a devastating occurrence and can severely affect the livelihood and well being of the victim. The Missouri elder abuse lawyers at Page Cagle have a history of aggressively representing injury victims and obtaining compensation for their clients. Contact an experienced St. Louis personal injury attorney for a free consultation. Call (866) 620-5757 today.
Source article: http://www.mcknights.com/senate-to-debate-healthcare-bill-elder-abuse-gains-attention/article/158388/
