High Hopes For New LTC Bill

washington

Legislation allowing tax-advantaged long term care products to be used for other retirement purposes has been introduced in the House of Representatives.

Frank Keating, president and CEO of the American Council of Life Insurers, speaking at the trade group’s annual conference here, voiced optimism in a speech to attendees that the legislation, quietly introduced by Rep. Nancy Johnson, R-Conn., has a good chance of passage. He noted that “interest in it has been expressed” by Rep. Bill Thomas, R-Calif., chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.

The provision was originally supposed to be included as a sweetener. However, the prospects for any legislation this year are fluid, given President Bush’s weakening support, the prospect for lengthy hearings in the Senate on the nomination to the Supreme Court of Harriet Miers and the uncertainty of her ability to win confirmation, the ethics and legal problems of former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, and growing concern about the rising federal deficit.