Citing cost concerns, the Obama administration said Friday it has halted a long-term care insurance program that was part of the massive health care law passed in 2010. Called the CLASS Act (Community Living Assistance Services and Supports), the program was canceled by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius after a 19-month effort to find a way to make it financially viable. In a letter to Congress, Sebelius wrote, "Despite our best analytical efforts, I do not see a viable path forward for CLASS implementation at this time." The CLASS program was similar to long-term care plans available in the private sector in which workers sign up and pay a monthly premium. It was voluntary and was to be paid for entirely by the premiums from those who signed up. In return, subscribers would get a daily benefit.
@highlight
Obama administration drops long-term insurance program
@highlight
Officials had questions about whether it could sustain itself
@highlight
McConnell calls provision a "budget gimmick"
But a senior administration official told CNN that there were big questions whether @placeholder could be self-sustaining even when the health care reform law was being considered by Congress.