Senate Finance Democrats Issue RFI on Universal Home Care Benefit
Senate Finance Committee Democrats published an 81-page request for information on Oct. 16 seeking public input on creating a universal home care benefit spanning Medicare and Medicaid. The RFI asks how such a benefit should be designed, what services it would cover, and how it would integrate with provider networks and existing systems, including addressing the caregiver workforce shortage and inconsistent eligibility rules across states. It follows the August introduction of the Medicare At Home Act, which would add Medicare Part B coverage for help with activities of daily living and instrumental activities like meal prep and housekeeping. Industry groups including the National Alliance for Care at Home and the Home Care Association of America plan to submit comments and say the RFI signals growing momentum for expanded home-based care.