WASHINGTON, DC – As Congressional Republicans are seeking to slash Medicaid, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is teaming up with U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) to improve the health, safety, and independence of older adults and people with disabilities by introducing the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Relief Act (S.2076).

This legislation would provide dedicated Medicaid funds for home and community-based services (HCBS) for older adults, children, and youth and adults with disabilities for two years.  The HCBS Relief Act would decrease the need to move people into congregate settings and allow them to receive the services and support they need from their own homes. The bill is also designed to bolster the home care workforce by supporting service provider agencies and direct care workers who provide services in homes.

HCBS — used by older adults and people with disabilities — include services like home health aides and personal care attendants (help with bathing, laundry, and mobility assistance), supportive housing, adult day health services, and supported employment. These services allow people with physical, cognitive, intellectual, and mental health disabilities to live independently outside of nursing homes or other institutions.  HCBS services are difficult to afford out of pocket and are not typically covered by private insurance or Medicare.  Medicaid is the primary payer for HCBS, financing two-thirds of services annually according to KFF.

“Right now, millions rely on HCBS for basic everyday needs – help getting dressed, taking medications, preparing meals, and so much more,” said Senator Luján. “To support Americans who depend on home and community-based care, I’m proud to introduce my HCBS Relief Act. My bill would address chronic underfunding that has pushed families into crisis and forced many into institutions simply because they can’t access support at home.”

“Everyone deserves to live with dignity and be a valued member of society.  Medicaid’s home and community-based services make independent, inclusive living possible for millions of older adults and people with disabilities.  This bill is severely needed at a time when Medicaid is facing unprecedented Republican cuts that would force more vulnerable Americans into institutions and untenable living situations, leaving individuals isolated and families in crisis.  The HCBS Relief Act would provide dedicated Medicaid funds to states to stabilize their HCBS service delivery networks, bolster their HCBS workforce, and ensure the federal government serves as a reliable partner when it comes to compensating in-home caregivers and ensuring the right supports are there for people in need,” said Senator Reed.

In addition to Luján and Reed, the HCBS Relief Act is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators: Tim Kaine (D-VA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Fetterman (D-PA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI-12) has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The National Association of Counties reports: “The rapidly aging population in the United States has increased demand for home and community-based services, resulting in a long-term care services and supports financing crisis, said Lisa Harootunian, director of health for the Bipartisan Policy Center. More than 4 million people rely on Medicaid-funded home and community-based services — including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, older adults and people with complex medical needs. A “crucial” element of accessing those services is having a strong and robust direct-care workforce, she said.”