Bill Seeks to Expand Medicare Coverage for Long-Term Homecare

WASHINGTON—Newly introduced bicameral legislation aims to establish long-term care services benefits as part of the Medicare program. The Medicare At Home Act (HR 10020/S 5270) would help older adults and people with disabilities remain safely in their homes and communities by expanding homecare coverage under Medicare Part B. Medicare Part B usually covers doctor visits and everyday medical care; this bill would also cover in-home support so people don’t have to leave their homes.

The Medicare At Home Act would tackle the following:

• Expanding Medicare coverage: Adds home-based personal care benefits to Medicare Part B.
• Lower financial burden: Eliminates the need for families to drain life savings or go into debt for basic homecare support.
• Keep people in their homes: Gives older adults and people with disabilities the choice to remain in their homes and communities.

Currently, Medicare does not cover long-term care at home. The Medicare At Home Act would eliminate financial barriers by making home-based care an accessible, affordable part of Medicare coverage.

The bill was introduced by United States Rep. Debbie Dingell and Sen. Andy Kim.

“Whether seniors are aging at home or individuals with disabilities need daily support, care should be accessible and affordable,” said Dingell. “This bill gives families peace of mind by ensuring Medicare covers the essential in-home support people need to live with independence and dignity. It is a common-sense solution that makes care more affordable for people on Medicare.”

“Whether it was his last few months living alone in his own place or now at a care facility, my top priority is making sure my dad can live with dignity and comfort,” said Kim. “Like so many Americans, though, too often that question becomes what care we can afford. Whether seniors are aging at home or elsewhere, this bill gives them and their families the options they deserve by making homecare an affordable and accessible option everywhere. These moments of life are hard enough without having to worry about cost.”

Endorsing organizations include the Service Employees International Union, Caring Across Generations, Justice in Aging, Allies for Independence, National Domestic Workers Alliance, Care in Action and LeadingAge.

A copy of the bill text can be found here.