Despite doubts about its viability and cost, a new government insurance program that would help the elderly and disabled stay in their homes is headed for passage as part of the Senate’s sweeping health-care-reform measure, Reuters reported.

The proposal has not received the intense scrutiny focused on a proposed government-run medical coverage plan, which has been removed from the Senate’s health-care bill and is unlikely to be restored in final legislation.

But the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act, which was championed by the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, is a significant program that supporters say is long overdue and critics say could add to the federal treasury’s long-term debt problems.

“If the CLASS Act becomes law, the federal taxpayer is at very serious risk of paying the price to clean up the fiscal disaster when the CLASS Act fails,” Iowa Republican Sen. Charles Grassley said in a Senate speech on Tuesday.

The insurance is voluntary and would provide a cash benefit to participants if they become unable to perform at least two activities of daily life, such as dressing and bathing. Under the Senate proposal, workers would pay a monthly premium to buy coverage, probably through their employer. They would have to pay into the program for at least five years before qualifying for benefits.

Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin, a Democrat who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said the estimated $50 to $75 daily benefit would be enough to hire a nurse for a few hours to help a disabled person get ready for work or to give a break to someone who is caring for an elderly parent or disabled family member. The House calls for a more expansive program than the Senate. The Senate would make the program available to active workers; the House would allow non-working spouses to join as well. The two chambers would have to work out their differences before a final bill can be delivered to President Barack Obama.