WASHINGTON – Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin announced that federal employees, retirees and their families will now be able to purchase more affordable, high-quality long-term care insurance. The Congressman attended the White House bill signing ceremony today where President Clinton signed into law the Long Term Care Security Act, HR 4040.

More than 13 million federal employees, retirees and their families will be able to purchase non-subsidized, quality private long-term care insurance. This new benefit will cover a range of services at group rates, including home health care, adult day care and nursing home care. The law allows the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to use its sizable purchasing power to negotiate savings of between 15 and 20 percent on commercial insurance rates.

"This act establishes the Federal government as a model employer," said Rep. Cardin, a strong advocate of long-term care coverage. "But this is only a beginning. Millions of Americans are struggling to meet the long-term care needs of their loved ones, and the aging of America will only compound this need."

The number of Americans age 65 years or older will double by 2030 from 34.3 million to 70 million, and the number of Americans requiring assistance with everyday activities is predicted to grow from four million to nine million.

"It's time for Congress to focus on long-term care and provide our older Americans with the care they need in their twilight years," said the Congressman.