Getting your player ready...
WASHINGTON — The Senate on Friday turned back a Republican effort to eliminate a long-term-care insurance program to help seniors and the disabled, saving the plan once championed by the late Sen. Edward Kennedy in its health overhaul bill.
Republicans fell short in a bid to strike the long-term- care plan on a 51-47 vote. Eleven Democrats voted with Republicans.
Under the plan, workers would pay a modest monthly premium into the voluntary program. If they become disabled, they would get a cash benefit of at least $50 a day. That could help pay for a home-care attendant or for supplies and equipment, or defray nursing-home costs. A version of the plan was passed by the House.
