Posted on: Sunday, March 3, 2002

EDITORIAL
Long-term-care plan deserves attention

While it hasn't received a great deal of attention, an innovative plan to provide Islanders with some relief in the long-term care of the elderly is moving well at the state Legislature.

In an era where so much attention is focused on short-term problems and solutions, it is heartening that lawmakers also have time and interest for an issue that will become increasingly important as the years wear on.

The long-term proposal comes from a committee organized by First Lady Vicky Cayetano. It would provide basic payments of around $70 a day (in today's dollars) for up to a year's worth of care for the elderly. While this hardly would cover the costs of all long-term care, nor eliminate the need for private insurance, it would at least provide a basic safety net where none now exists.

It would help keep the elderly in their own homes or with their families for a longer period of time, which offers social and economic benefits to the entire community.

The plan would be financed with a $10-a-month "tax" on all residents over the age of 25, gradually increasing at roughly the rate of inflation.

In these difficult economic times, the idea of any new "tax," no matter how modest, will be a tough sell. But as a community, we will be paying these costs one way or another. This is a straightforward and relatively inexpensive way to deal with this obligation.

The state House has approved a bill creating the plan. The Senate should give it the same positive consideration.