Today, thousands of South Floridians and millions of Americans are struggling to care for their aging parents. They are trying to offer support in the face of life-changing disabilities. They want to help loved ones preserve a measure of their independence -- to stay at home and in their own communities. Often, however, the cost is just too high.

In fact, the cost is weighing heavily not just on families, but on businesses too. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, 11 percent of the more than 20 million working Americans who care for aging parents or relatives will take a leave of absence and ultimately, 10 percent will leave their jobs.

And yet, even while they confront the extreme financial and emotional challenges that aging and disability can present, too few individuals are taking steps to plan for their own long-term care (LTC). According to some estimates, less than 10 percent of older adults in the United States have purchased private LTC insurance policies. As a result, Medicaid now accounts for 40 percent of all long-term care services delivered nationwide.

A key provision in the new healthcare reform law, however, aims to help Americans plan ahead, and South Florida families -- and employers -- should pay close attention. Called the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act, it is designed to encourage and empower people to engage in long-term care planning, so that we can truly improve the way we provide health and support services to older adults in the future.

The CLASS Act establishes a voluntary, long-term care insurance program that will provide cash benefits to eligible enrollees so that they can receive the specific services they choose in the comfort of their own homes or in a community-based setting. By paying a monthly premium, expected to be more affordable than currently priced private policies, enrollees will be eligible for a flexible benefit that can be used to pay for a home health aide, transportation, technology such as lifts, wheelchairs and communication devices, day care and respite care.

The success of the CLASS Act, like the future of long-term care itself, will depend ultimately on participation across every level of society. It will require awareness from both individuals and businesses alike. In fact, employers could be the key to making sure that the CLASS Act succeeds, because under the terms of the law they can offer their employees the opportunity to pay their premiums through a payroll deduction.

Today, too many frail elders, disabled adults and their families are unprepared to meet their long-term care needs.

The CLASS Act is designed to change this fact by putting lower-cost home care within reach. While the effects of the new law will not be felt right away, it sends a clear message right now that we must do more to make long-term care a true long-term priority.

Jose Fox is CEO of United HomeCare Services, a private not-for-profit organization, president of Florida's Community Care for the Elderly Coalition and a district representative for the Home Care Association of Florida. Visit www.unitedhomecare.com.