Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris has introduced a new plan for Medicare for at-home care expansion, aiming to provide long-term services beyond the program’s traditional scope. This proposal marks a significant shift in public health insurance, which has mainly focused on hospital-based care for older adults.

Supporting Caregivers with the Medicare for At-Home Care Expansion

Harris announced the plan on ABC’s The View, highlighting its potential benefits for the “sandwich generation”—over 105 million Americans who care for both children and aging parents. The Medicare for at-home care expansion aims to alleviate the financial burden on families who currently rely on Medicaid for long-term care services.

“Caring for a parent involves selecting soft clothing, preparing easy-to-eat meals, and finding ways to bring a smile to their face,” Harris said, acknowledging the emotional challenges faced by caregivers. She emphasized that while physical skills may decline, a person’s dignity remains.

How the Medicare for At-Home Care Expansion Would Broaden Coverage

The proposal would significantly expand Medicare’s coverage to include more comprehensive at-home care options. Currently, Medicare offers limited at-home services, typically following a hospital stay. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Medicaid spent $207 billion on long-term care services in 2021. This expansion aims to shift some of the burden from Medicaid to Medicare.

Funding the Medicare for At-Home Care Expansion

Harris stated that the expansion would be funded through enhanced Medicare prescription drug negotiations and limits on pharmacy benefit manager payments. These measures are projected to save the government approximately $98.5 billion over the next decade. Although she did not specify the total cost, the campaign noted that at-home care is about $3,000 cheaper per month than nursing home care.

Addressing the Medicaid “Spend Down” Requirement

The plan also targets the Medicaid “spend down” rule, which requires families to deplete their assets before qualifying for assistance. This aspect of the Medicare for at-home care expansion resonates with the sandwich generation, who often face financial strain while caring for loved ones.

Harris’s Personal Connection to the Issue

Reflecting on her experience with her late mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, who passed away in 2009, Harris emphasized the importance of dignity and independence for the elderly. “It’s about dignity for that individual. It’s about independence for that individual,” she said.