Senate Democrats Propose Medicare Coverage for In-Home Long-Term Care

A group of Senate Democrats is proposing that Medicare cover in-home care, which would create the first new benefit in the program since the Part D retail drug benefit more than 20 years ago. ), are using to outline their vision and draw contrasts with Republicans ahead of the midterm elections.

Earlier this year, they proposed a plan to lower drug costs and a framework for private health insurance overhaul. The plan is not detailed, and does not offer cost estimates or address the question of funding. In addition to creating a home care benefit, it calls for spending more to shore up long-term care in Medicaid and creating stricter nursing home staffing standards.

It also includes a workforce component aimed at training more long-term care employees and providing them better pay and benefits.