The Democratic Party has included long-term care reform as a plank in its policy platform.
The Democratic and Republican parties plan to unveil their respective platforms at their presidential nominating conventions. The Democrats’ long-term care reform plan entails expanding home- and community-based services; and reforming the Medicare prescription drug plan, including eliminating the so-called “doughnut hole.” The platform also emphasizes training more nurses, paying caregivers a fair wage, and expanding retirement and pension protection plans.
Republicans have not yet released their platform. Presidential hopeful John McCain, so far, has stressed a more individualistic approach to healthcare reform. He has suggested providing seniors with a monthly stipend, which they can use to hire workers and purchase care-related services. The Democratic National Convention will be held Aug. 25 though Aug. 28. The Republicans will hold their convention Sept. 1 through Sept. 4.
