The health care overhaul law signed by President Obama last month contains a provision that could help people care for those suffering from long term disabilities. The law establishes a program called the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act (CLASS Act), which would provide cash to eligible enrollees who suffer from disabilities that limit them in at least two daily activities such as eating, bathing, or dressing.

Opponents of the Act believe that it will be financially untenable and that too few Americans will sign up for benefits. Senior manager of health policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce James Gelfand doubts that participation will be adequate because only about 5 percent of eligible employees actually participate in their employers’ private long-term care insurance benefit programs.

Around 7 million Americans own private long-term care policies.

Long term disability laws are complex and changing all the time at both the state and federal level. If you need legal advice in this area, contact the Indiana long-term disability attorneys of the Law Office of Charles D. Hankey at 800-520-3633.