(a) The purpose of this program shall be to reduce Medicaid costs for long-term care by encouraging the purchase of private long-term care insurance policies that are covered under the "qualified state long-term care insurance partnerships."(b) It is the intent of the long-term care partnership to do all of the following: (1) Provide incentives for individuals to insure against the costs of providing for their long-term care needs.(2) Provide a mechanism for individuals to qualify for coverage of the cost of their long-term care needs under Medicaid without first being required to substantially exhaust their resources.(3) Alleviate the financial burden on the state's medical assistance program by encouraging the pursuit of private initiatives.