The measure was OK'd on voice vote late Monday by the House Energy and Commerce Committee as an amendment to a sweeping health care overhaul bill.

A similar measure was approved by the Senate's health committee. The Obama administration supports the concept but it still would need approval from the full House and Senate.

The program would be financed by a voluntary payroll deduction which would pay a modest daily cash benefit meant to help people pay for services to allow them to stay in their homes later in life.

Republicans raised concerns about long-term costs.