Senate Democrats Propose Medicare Home Care Benefit

A group of Senate Democrats proposed adding an in-home care benefit to Medicare, which would be the first new benefit added to the program since the Part D prescription drug coverage more than 20 years ago. The proposal is the final piece of a three-part health care plan that includes earlier measures to lower drug costs and overhaul private health insurance. Sen. ) is leading the effort.

The plan calls for increased spending on long-term care through Medicaid and stricter staffing standards for nursing homes. It also includes a workforce component to train more long-term care employees and improve their pay and benefits. The proposal does not include cost estimates or funding details at this stage.

Democrats are using the health care plan to outline their vision and draw contrasts with Republicans ahead of the midterm elections.