Senate Candidate Al Franken Announces Long-Term Care Financing Initiatives

On Friday, Democratic Senate candidate Al Franken talked long-term care, announcing several proposals at Lyngblomsten senior community in Saint Paul. Here are ideas he raised:

  • Give families or caregivers a $2,000 tax credit to help pay for long-term care needs.
  • A $1,200 tax credit for businesses to offset costs of providing long-term care.
  • Make federal long-term care reimbursements more flexible so seniors’ costs could be equally paid whether they live in senior housing, nursing home or their homes. The campaign estimates that would save $25 billion every year, in part because home care is less expensive than nursing home care.

(Smart move to focus on people’s desire to live at home and have choice and the ability for government to save money by doing it.)Q&A With CandidateWe’re seeking insignts from all of the major party U.S. Senate candidates on aging and long-term care. Al Franken responses to Changing Aging’s questions are here.