A group of Senate Democrats, led by Finance Committee Chair Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), have released their plans to address long-term care issues in 2027. The plans cover an array of goals aimed at improving the availability and affordability of long-term care, including long-term care insurance (LTCi).

The 16 Senate Democrats wrote a letter to their colleagues laying out their plans to “to expand home care, align incentives for improved care in nursing homes, and address workforce shortages to create quality, sustainable jobs for both types of care.”

The Senators wrote, “America is failing people who are aging and those with disabilities, who should have every opportunity to live at home and thrive in their communities. Democrats want to ensure American families have affordable, high-quality care in the setting they choose. We want to ensure the Senate is prepared to act on these issues when Democrats have another opportunity to enact the bold, meaningful change the American people demand and deserve.”

The Senate Democrats recognized the role of long-term care insurance in addressing these issues. Proposals to incentivize more LTCi coverage seem likely.

Prospects: Chances for enacted policy on these issues go up if Democrats wrest control of the Senate and the House from Republicans after the November mid-term elections. Most Washington observers view the possibility of Democratic control of the Senate in 2027 as something of a long shot, although Democrats’ chances seem to have improved in recent days.

NAIFA Staff Contacts: Jayne Fitzgerald – Director – Government Relations, at jfitzgerald@naifa.org