Retirees across the country are celebrating the great contributions of older Americans during May. Throughout Older Americans Month, the Alliance for Retired Americans is asking you to join us in reminding policy makers, advocates and the public that seniors MUST be a part of the national health care reform debate.

To celebrate Older Americans Month, the Alliance is highlighting a different set of health care issues each week. This week, we ask you to talk to your friends and neighbors and contact your members of Congress about long-term care and the CLASS Act.

One vital part of health care reform is the need for ample long-term support services. The Alliance supports the creation of a high quality, affordable, universal health care system, which provides comprehensive services – including long-term care – and is based on a sound financing model similar to Medicare.

We are advocating for long-term services and supports through the passage of the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act of 2009 (CLASS Act; S. 697 and H.R. 1721). The CLASS Act is a critical component to creating a new, voluntary national insurance program to help individuals who need assistance stay independent and remain in their communities. The CLASS Act should be a part of any health care reform conversation and legislation. Unless addressed, these types of services will cost the government and families a great deal.

You have the opportunity to reform health care so that it works for Americans of all ages.

· Contact your legislators through phone, letter, email or visit to let them know that retirees have a stake in health care reform.

· Write a letter to the editor highlighting some of the issues that should be addressed related to seniors’ stake in health care reform.

· Talk to your friends and neighbors about the need for all seniors to be engaged in the health care conversation.

· Connect with the Alliance for Retired Americans to get involved in further advocacy efforts. You can find contact information for someone in your area at www.retiredamericans.org.

Next week: The taxation of health benefits and Medicare Advantage subsidies.