U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) introduced bicameral legislation, The Medicare At Home Act, to establish a new long-term care services benefit as part of the Medicare program.
The benefit, according to an August 10, 2026 press release issued by Rep. Dingell’s office, would include up to 20 hours per week per individual of assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs covered under Medicare Par B. This coverage would be separate from home health services covered currently under Medicare regulations.
To be eligible for the benefit, an individual must require assistance with at least 2 ADLs, 2 IADLs, or a combination of them. The Medicare At Home Act would help older adults and people with disabilities remain safely in their homes and communities through the expanded home care coverage.
LeadingAge has been advocating for greater access to a variety of home and community based services including adult day services for older adults.
Katie Smith Sloan, President and CEO, LeadingAge lent our support to the bill saying, “LeadingAge applauds Congresswoman Dingell and Senator Kim’s longstanding leadership in advancing access to care in the home and community. The Medicare at Home Act sets an agenda and important focus for the future by expanding Medicare coverage to include personal care services in the home–a critical need that many older adults and families mistakenly assume is paid for by the current Medicare benefit. We look forward to working with Congresswoman Dingell and Senator Kim to address this shortcoming in access and affordability while also ensuring our nonprofit and mission-driven members are equipped to deliver high-quality care wherever people call home.”
Per the joint press statement, “Currently, Medicare does not cover long-term care at home. As a result, families across the country face staggering out-of-pocket expenses, forcing many to deplete their savings to qualify for Medicaid or rely heavily on unpaid family caregivers. The Medicare At Home Act eliminates these financial barriers by making home-based care an accessible, affordable part of Medicare coverage.”
The bill text is available here.
