U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., and U.S. Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., introduced the Medicare At Home Act, which would establish a new Medicare benefit covering up to 20 hours per week of assistance with activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. The benefit would be covered under Medicare Part B and would be separate from Medicare’s existing home health benefit. Eligibility would require assistance with at least two activities of daily living, two instrumental activities of daily living or a combination of the two.
LeadingAge supports the proposal as part of its work to expand access to home- and community-based services. The legislation would address a gap in current Medicare coverage by helping older adults and people with disabilities receive personal care services in their homes and communities, while reducing reliance on out-of-pocket spending and unpaid family caregivers. Read the joint announcement from Dingell and Kim for additional details.