Senators Hassan, Shaheen Introduce Key Legislation to Make Historic Investment in Care Economy

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen joined Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) in introducing the Better Care Better Jobs Act. This legislation would make a historic investment in home- and community-based services by expanding access to quality home care services and lifting up the caregiving workforce that provides them.

“Many seniors and individuals with disabilities depend on Home- and Community-Based Services to help them thrive and engage in their community,” said Senator Hassan. “We must significantly invest in HCBS, not only to strengthen the quality of at-home care, but also in order to increase caregivers’ wages and address the home health care workforce shortage. This bill will do just that, and I will continue advocating for this important issue.”

“Home and community-based services allow seniors and Americans with disabilities to live independent, meaningful lives from the comfort of their own home while getting the care that they need,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m proud to help introduce the Better Care Better Jobs Act, legislation that will provide a transformational investment to ensure Americans in need of these services can access them without facing long waitlists. This bill would also invest in our dedicated HCBS workforce, who provide vital care and support to our loved ones every day. I urge lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to join our effort and help pass this critical legislation.”

The Better Care Better Jobs Act would provide states with enhanced Medicaid funding for home- and community-bases services if they carry out certain activities that will support expanding access to these services and strengthen the workforce providing them. It would also provide funding to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to carry out the bill’s programs and conduct oversight.

Senator Hassan has long led efforts to support home health care workers and Direct Support Professionals. Senator Hassan and colleagues secured more than $12.6 billion in dedicated emergency funding for State Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) in the American Rescue Plan. Earlier this year, Senator Hassan also introduced bipartisan legislation with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) to address the critical need for more Direct Support Professionals in the workforce.

Read more about the Better Care Better Jobs Act here.

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