Connecticut Congressional delegation applauds Judith Stein appointment to Bipartisan Long-Term Care Commission

WASHINGTON, DC – The Connecticut House delegationtoday applauded the appointment of Judith Stein, founder and executive directorof the Center for Medicare Advocacy in Willimantic, to the Bipartisan Long-TermCare Commission. Created earlier this year as part of the American Tax ReliefAct, the commission is responsible for developing a plan to establish,implement, and finance a comprehensive set of long-term care services forseniors and people with disabilities. Last month, Reps. Joe Courtney, RosaDeLauro, John Larson, Jim Himes and Elizabeth Esty wroteto House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi urging her to appoint Stein to thecommission.

Focusedon legal representation of the elderly since beginning her legal career in1975, Judith Stein was the Co-Director of Legal Assistance to Medicare Patients(LAMP), where she managed the first Medicare advocacy program in thecountry. She has extensive experience in developing and administeringMedicare advocacy projects, representing Medicare beneficiaries, producingeducational materials, teaching and consulting. She has been lead or co-counselin numerous federal class action and individual cases challenging improperMedicare policies and denials.

"I cannot think of a singleperson better equipped than Judy Stein to serve on this commission as itaddresses the issues facing seniors and our aging Baby Boomer population,"said Congressman Courtney. "Over the past 25 years, Judy has transformedthe Center for Medicare Advocacy from a local voice into a national leader onMedicare and Medicaid policy. I am extremely pleased that her years ofexperience and expertise will be put to good use as the commission tackles bigchallenges ahead."

"There is no greater champion for seniors than Judy Stein,who has worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of Connecticut and allAmericans to ensure they have access to the health care they need and deserve."said DeLauro. "The unparalleled experience she will bring to theCommission is imperative as this important panel works to fulfill its mission,and should bring comfort to American families knowing that they have someonewho truly understands and will represent their needs."

"With over 30 years of experience working with Medicarebeneficiaries, Judith Stein will be an invaluable asset to the Long-Term CareCommission," said Congressman Larson. "The wealth of knowledge andunderstanding she brings to the table are unparalleled, and will no doubtbenefit this commission in their work to strengthen our nation's long-term caresystems."

"Seniors and families across the country will have animpressive advocate in Judy Stein as she joins the Long-Term Care Commission," Himessaid. "Her advocacy and expertise have served us well at the Center forMedicare Advocacy, and we're lucky to have her working on our behalf as weaddress the challenges associated with reforming and protecting the programsthat serve our aging population."

"With her decades of experience as an advocate for elderlyAmericans and Medicare beneficiaries, Judy Stein will provide a critical voicefor seniors, people with disabilities, and all Americans with long-term careneeds," said Congresswoman Esty. "I feel certain that our country willbenefit from Judy's knowledge, experience, and leadership on long-term careissues, and I'm grateful for her willingness to serve."