Grants may help consumers receive health and long-term care

06/06/2010

Health and long-term care costs are often enough to take a toll on consumers' finances.

This impact may be reduced thanks to $60 million in grants from the Department of Health and Human Services. These funds will go to states and communities to help senior citizens, disabled Americans and their caregivers understand expenses associated with such care.

"The Affordable Care Act seeks to lower health care costs, improve the quality of health care and perhaps most importantly give people more control over their own care," Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said. "These new grants, authorized under the new law, will help seniors, individuals with disabilities and their families get better quality care and more control."

In addition to keeping costs under control, the grants are aimed at creating statewide systems for information, counseling and accessing answers to questions about health and long-term care. HHS's Administration on Aging and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will be responsible for administrating the funds in this process.

The Affordable Care Act was approved by the federal government in March and is aimed at keeping health insurance premiums within reach for low-income, female or ill consumers.

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