Kamala Harris Advocates for Medicare Coverage of Home Health Care

Vice President Kamala Harris recently proposed a significant expansion of Medicare benefits to include home health care services for the first time. This initiative aims to support Americans who find themselves in the challenging position of caring for both children and elderly parents, a demographic known as the “sandwich generation.”

During an appearance on ABC’s “The View,” Harris highlighted the struggles faced by many families, stating, “There are so many people in our country who are right in the middle. They’re taking care of their kids and their aging parents, and it’s just almost impossible to do it all, especially if they work.” This remark underscores her focus on a demographic that represents a substantial portion of the electorate, particularly those still undecided ahead of the upcoming elections.

Harris emphasized that her proposal seeks to enhance the dignity of aging Americans while alleviating the emotional, financial, and physical burdens that families endure when caring for elderly relatives. According to Harris’s campaign data, nearly one-quarter of American adults are part of the sandwich generation, with over 105 million individuals serving as caregivers. She noted, “We’re finding that so many are then having to leave their job, which means losing a source of income, not to mention the emotional stress.”

The proposed plan would require Medicare enrollees to undergo independent evaluations to determine their ability to perform daily activities such as bathing, eating, and toileting. The campaign’s fact sheet suggests that most seniors could remain in their homes with just 20 hours or less of care from an aide each week.

Financially, the proposal would provide coverage primarily for seniors with modest incomes, while those with higher incomes would contribute to costs. However, experts warn that implementing such a program could be expensive. A conservative estimate from the Brookings Institution suggests that a program covering individuals unable to perform at least two daily activities could cost around $40 billion annually. The Harris campaign cites this research as foundational to their proposal.

To fund this initiative, Harris plans to expand Medicare’s drug price negotiations, increase discounts from manufacturers, and implement international tax reforms. Additionally, she aims to enhance Medicare benefits by covering hearing aids, eye exams, and new glasses, as well as preventing states from seizing seniors’ homes to recover Medicaid funds spent on long-term care services.

Harris’s proposal addresses a pressing need for long-term care among senior citizens and people with disabilities, facilitating their ability to remain at home rather than moving to costly nursing facilities. Currently, Medicare offers limited coverage for home health care, which often forces seniors to pay out-of-pocket or rely on Medicaid if eligible.

The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that an American turning 65 in 2022 will incur approximately $120,900 in future long-term services and supports, with families covering one-third of these costs themselves. The costs associated with home health aides can be staggering, with annual expenses nearing $69,000 for 40 hours of care each week and more than $288,000 for 24/7 care. In contrast, nursing home stays range from $104,000 to nearly $117,000 annually, while the average income for Medicare beneficiaries is just $36,000 a year.

Harris has drawn on her personal experience as a caregiver for her late mother, Shyamala Gopalan, who passed away from colon cancer in 2009. She shared the emotional toll of caregiving, illustrating the challenges of catering to a loved one’s needs, from dietary preferences to finding comfort in clothing.

Surveys reveal that two-thirds of caregivers struggle to balance work and caregiving responsibilities. According to a 2023 AARP and S&P Global survey, over a quarter of working caregivers have had to transition to part-time work or reduce their hours, and about one in six have taken breaks from their jobs to provide care.

Nancy LeaMond, AARP’s chief public policy officer, stated, “Family caregivers are the backbone of a broken long-term care system, providing $600 billion in unpaid labor each year.” She emphasized the urgent need for lawmakers to implement effective solutions that support family caregivers and enable older Americans to live independently in their homes.

In response to Harris’s announcement, Care in Action PAC, an organization advocating for care workers, expressed support and announced a multimillion-dollar investment in key battleground states to amplify Harris’s message. The group’s executive director, Hillary Holley, emphasized the financial relief that families desperately need.

As Harris engages in a series of media interviews, including appearances on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “The Howard Stern Show,” her proposal is generating significant attention and discussion, particularly among voters who juggle multiple caregiving responsibilities.