Bill Seeks to Expand Medicare Coverage for Long-Term Homecare

Medicare at Home Act would let Medicare Part B cover in-home care for seniors & people with disabilities

By Michelle Love

The Medicare At Home Act (HR 10020/S 5270) would establish long-term care services benefits as part of the Medicare program. The bicameral legislation aims to help older adults and people with disabilities remain safely in their homes and communities by expanding homecare coverage under Medicare Part B, which currently covers clinic visits and everyday medical care.

The Medicare At Home Act aims to make home-based care an accessible, affordable part of Medicare coverage for long-term users.

Background

The bill was introduced Aug. 3 by United States Rep. Debbie Dingell and Sen. Andy Kim. Endorsing organizations include the Service Employees International Union, Caring Across Generations, Justice in Aging, Allies for Independence, the National Domestic Workers Alliance, Care in Action and LeadingAge.

What the Bill Entails

The bill says Americans “overwhelmingly and strongly” believe Medicare should cover homecare services and that most Medicare beneficiaries either aren’t sure if or believe it already does cover those services.

Supporters say the bill would:

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

VOICES OF SUPPORT:

“Whether seniors are aging at home or individuals with disabilities need daily support, care should be accessible and affordable. 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.” —Rep. Debbie Dingell

“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. 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.” —Sen. Andy Kim

“The Medicare at Home Act sets an agenda and important focus for the future by expanding Medicare coverage to include personal care services in the home—a critical need that many older adults and families mistakenly assume is paid for by the current Medicare benefit. —Katie Smith Sloan, President & CEO, LeadingAge

What Happens Next

The bill has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee and the corresponding House committees for review. If the bill successfully passes Congress and is signed into law, the bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to issue regulations within one year of enactment. The coverage would begin during the first plan year beginning more than two years after enactment.