Obama Administration: We Oppose Implementing CLASS; We Also Oppose Repealing It

Last week, the Obama administration decided that the CLASS Act, ObamaCare's long-term benefit, was a big enough stinker that the Department of Health and Human Services couldn't go forward with implementing it. "I do not see a viable path forward for CLASS implementation at this time," wrote HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. 

But just because there's no viable path forward and the administration has decided against implementation apparently doesn't mean that the program should be taken off the books. 

This week, the administration officially went on record as being opposed to repealing the program, despite the CBO clearing the way earlier today. "We do not support repeal," an Obama administration official told The Hill earlier today. "Repealing the CLASS Act isn't necessary or productive. What we should be doing is working together to address the long-term care challenges we face in this country." Isn't one of those problems the fact that the administration signed off on a law that included a deficit gimmick masquerading as a long-term care benefit despite clear warnings from Medicare's actuaries that the program was destined for fiscal failure? 

More from the AP:

The White House appeared to waffle Monday on the fate of a financially troubled long-term care program in President Barack Obama's health overhaul law, as supporters and foes heaped criticism on the administration.

At stake is the CLASS Act, a major new program intended to provide affordable long-term care insurance. Last Friday, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the administration would not proceed with the plan because she has been unable to find a way to make the program financially solvent.

On Monday, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office issued a ruling that cleared the way for repealing the CLASS Act, but the administration rejected that step — and created considerable confusion. Backers and opponents said the White House is trying to have it both ways.

"I feel like somebody just called me about how to do really good pet care after they shot my dog," said Larry Minnix, president of LeadingAge, a trade group representing non-profit nursing homes, which are strong supporters of CLASS.

More than you ever wanted to know about CLASS from Reason here, here, here, here, and here. 

Comments

[Gilbert Martin]

"Isn't one of those problems the fact that the administration signed off on a law that included a deficit gimmick masquerading as a long-term care benefit despite clear warnings from Medicare's actuaries that the program was destined for fiscal failure? "

Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain. The great and powerfull Oz has spoken!

[Old Mexican]

At stake is the CLASS Act, a major new program intended to provide affordable long-term care insurance. Last Friday, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the administration would not proceed with the plan because she has been unable to find a way to make the program financially solvent.

Probably because Sebelius, like her fellow bureaucrats in the Administration, have NO IDEA what "affordable" would mean, and so the assumption ended up being unaffordable.

[James Ard]

When don't they try to have it both ways? Remember the individual mandate was positively not a tax until they said that it was.

[Pro Libertate]

Why don't you call me sometime when you have no CLASS?

[Federal Dog]

I do not recall ever having witnessed such completely thoroughgoing incompetence as this "administration."

Affirmative action on steroids.

[Liberal]

I do not recall ever having witnessed such completely thoroughgoing incompetence as this "administration."

RAAAAAACCIIIIIIIIIIST!!!!!

[juris imprudent]

You all are missing the point - the law was passed and therefore good was served. This is perfect law as symbol, not as substance; and nothing makes a liberal happier than sending a message with the law. Admitting otherwise might induce severe cognitive dissonance.

[Tulpa]

The White House appeared to waffle Monday

uh, if you "appear to" waffle, you've waffled. That's like saying "Britney Spears appears to smell like overripe cantelope."

[Rob McMillin]

If they put up a Waffle House at 1600 Penna. Ave., maybe things would actually go better.

[Paul]

So this is Obama's version of "Don't end it, Mend it!"

[Floozy]

The bad thing about not repealing it is that we have another law sitting there waiting for another person to decide to implement it. If you repeal it, it would take another Congressional action to start it up again. Leave it sit and all someone needs is the political will from the White House. In some ways it is similar to the Sarah Palin comment on marijuana. She said that she was opposed to legalization but felt that the police probably had better things on which to focus. If you are going to have a law it needs to be implemented or enforced or else it should go away. Laws should not be allowed to lie in wait like a trap.