Vice President Kamala Harris has proposed expanding Medicare benefits to include coverage for home health care, with the aim of assisting Americans who are balancing the care of children and aging parents. Harris highlighted the challenges faced by individuals managing caregiving responsibilities alongside work commitments.
During an appearance on ABC's 'The View,' Harris emphasized the difficulties many families encounter in juggling caregiving duties and employment. She stressed the significance of supporting aging Americans to help them maintain dignity and ease the emotional, financial, and physical strains experienced by families caring for elders.
The proposal, in line with Harris's campaign pledge to enhance long-term care, seeks to enable seniors and individuals with disabilities to access necessary care at home rather than relying on expensive nursing home facilities. Currently, Medicare typically does not cover home health care services, leaving many seniors to bear the costs out of pocket or through Medicaid if eligible.
While specific cost details were not disclosed, Harris mentioned that funding would come from expanding Medicare drug price negotiations. The campaign also plans to finance the initiative through increased drug discounts from manufacturers and other means.
The proposal's primary objective is to address the unmet long-term care needs of vulnerable populations, allowing them to age in place and receive essential care at home. By extending Medicare coverage to include home health care, Harris aims to provide relief to families grappling with the financial and emotional burdens of caring for elderly loved ones.
