GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1989

H	1 

HOUSE BILL 202

Short Title:  Long-Term Care Insurance.	(Public)
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Sponsors: Representatives Wiser; Buchanan and Bowman.
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Referred to:  Commerce.
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February 13, 1989

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION TO STUDY THE AVAILABILITY AND COVERAGE OF LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE.
Whereas, life expectancy has increased; and
Whereas, the need for both home and institutional services increases with age; and
Whereas, the Medicaid Program is proposing to spend increasingly large sums in the coming biennium for long-term care services, which is an increasing public burden; and
Whereas, the Medicare Program is a limited resource; and
Whereas, the development of private insurance underwriting long-term care services would benefit consumers, providers, and government; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  The Legislative Research Commission may study the availability, coverage, and provision of long-term care insurance in North Carolina and may make recommendations to overcome any barriers to the provision of private long-term care insurance coverage.  The Legislative Research Commission may investigate the relationship between Medicaid, Medicare and long-term care insurance and whether private long-term care coverage can provide some relief to the increasing public burden of Medicaid cost escalation.  The Legislative Research Commission may consult with the Commissioner of Insurance, the insurance industry, the long-term care industry, and senior citizens' groups.
Sec. 2.  The Legislative Research Commission may study the liability insurance and defense issue for Nursing Home Advisory Committees and Domiciliary Home Advisory Committees.
Sec. 3.  The Legislative Research Commission shall make a final report to the 1991 General Assembly.
Sec. 4.  This act is effective upon ratification.