Courtney unveils long-term care legislation

Hartford – U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, today unveiled his federal legislative proposal that would create tax deductions and tax credits to help families pay for long-term care insurance for the elderly or disabled.

He was joined by state Sen. Edith Prague, D-Columbia, who had urged the congressman during a "telephone town hall" event to take up the issue.

"People want to but long-term care insurance, but they have not been able to because it has been so expensive," Prague said. "But with Congressman Courtney's proposal to allow them to deduct the premiums from their income tax, this is a real incentive for people to buy long-term care insurance."

"The caregivers will also be able to have an income-tax credit for the service that they're providing," Prague said.

Courtney introduced the bill Thursday.