The “Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act” or the “ABC Act,” a bipartisan bill introduced on October 24, 2023, has garnered strong support from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). The legislation, officially known as S. 3109, aims to simplify processes and procedures for family caregivers assisting individuals with Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs.
Senators Edward Markey (D-MA) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced the bill, which is co-sponsored by Senators Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Susan Collins (R-ME), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Thom Tillis (R-NC). This new legislation could significantly assist over 48 million family caregivers in the U.S., who provide a range of support services to their loved ones, according to a report by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving.
Key findings from the report include:
- One in four family caregivers desire help with forms, paperwork, and eligibility for services
- 26% find coordinating care across multiple providers and services challenging
- Most family caregivers, who often work full- or part-time jobs or care for children, spend an average of 24 hours per week looking after a loved one
“This is a nonpartisan issue that doesn’t get nearly the recognition or support it deserves,” said AARP Pennsylvania State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh. He thanked Senator Casey for supporting the measure, which could ease the challenges faced by nearly 1.5 million Pennsylvania family caregivers.
The ABC Act requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Social Security Administration to simplify and streamline policies and procedures to improve customer service for family caregivers and individuals covered by or filing for health and financial programs. The agencies must also seek input from family caregivers to improve their experiences coordinating care for their loved ones.
“Family caregivers are the backbone of our nation’s long-term care system,” said AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond. She stressed that the ABC Act could save family caregivers valuable time and reduce their stress by making it easier to navigate resources, eligibility, benefits, and health systems when providing care.
AARP research indicates that family caregivers in the U.S. provide 36 billion hours of unpaid care annually, valued at an estimated $600 billion. With 78% of voters identifying as a current, past, or future family caregiver, AARP urges Congress to pass this crucial bipartisan legislation swiftly.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.