Associated media – Associated media
Vice President Kamala Harris has announced a proposal to expand Medicare coverage to include home healthcare, vision, and hearing benefits. This plan aims to address the growing need for affordable home care, particularly for the “sandwich generation” caring for both children and aging parents.
Harris emphasized the importance of dignity and independence for individuals receiving care, drawing on her personal experience caring for her mother. The proposal seeks to fill a significant gap in Medicare coverage, as current benefits for home health services are limited to short-term recovery periods following acute medical events.
While Medicaid covers home care for low-income individuals, eligibility requirements and waiting lists pose significant barriers. The Harris plan aims to provide a more accessible and comprehensive solution by leveraging savings from Medicare drug price negotiations to fund the expanded benefits.
The cost of the proposal remains uncertain, with experts predicting potentially high expenses. The plan also includes expanding Medicare to cover vision and hearing benefits, addressing a long-standing gap in coverage for essential services for older Americans.
The Trump campaign stated that the Republican platform includes support for at-home senior care, focusing on resource allocation, addressing caregiver shortages, and supporting family caregivers through tax credits and reduced bureaucracy.
This proposal addresses the increasing demand for affordable home care as the population ages and the number of individuals requiring long-term care grows. The plan’s feasibility and cost will be key factors in its potential implementation.
Connected media – Linked media
