A draft bill to expand Medicare coverage released by Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) calls for the creation of cash-based “Qualified Individual Long-Term Care Benefit Accounts” which Medicare beneficiaries could use to pay for any long-term care of their choosing, including a stay at a skilled nursing facility, and the use of home aides or respite care.
LeadingAge is in the process of gathering feedback and comments specific to the following components of the proposed legislation:
- Interactions between Medicare and Medicaid;
- Cash deductibles as an alternative to a waiting period deductible;
- Financing; and
- Additional long-term care solutions.
This legislation establishes a backend long-term services and supports benefit designed for everyone regardless of income or where someone lives in the Medicare program, mitigating the burden on state Medicaid budgets and family caregivers.
A summary of the draft bill can be found here.
