January 26,  2023, Washington, DC—One of the nation’s top aging services organizations hailed legislation introduced in Congress today to help close a massive gap in home and community-based services (HCBS) for millions of older Americans facing hardships and delays in access to services as they navigate the daily challenges of staying healthy.

The Better Care Better Jobs Act, introduced today by Senator Bob Casey (PA), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Energy & Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone (NJ-6), Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-9), Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-7), and 39 cosponsors in the Senate, would make critically needed long-term investments in Medicaid-funded home and community-based services.  

“Millions of older Americans living at home need care and services—from help getting in and out of bed, to bathing, and eating meals,” said Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO of LeadingAge, the national association of more than 5,000 nonprofit aging services providers.  “The need for the type of support this legislation addresses has only grown since 2021, when a version of Better Care Better Jobs was introduced. This is an investment in people – one that ensures older adults and people living with disabilities can access needed care and also supports professional caregivers. 

“This bill would mean better pay and benefits for care professionals, when almost half of home care worker households must currently depend on some form of public assistance,” Sloan added.  “Increasing compensation is a critical component in recruiting and retaining these valuable workers. Equally important is investment in programs to help train and develop direct care workers and encourage career development. We look forward to working with Congress on this necessary legislation to ensure that older adults’ and families’ can access the help they need.”

We represent more than 5,000 nonprofit aging services providers and other mission-minded organizations that touch millions of lives every day. Alongside our members and 38 state partners, we use applied research, advocacy, education, and community-building to make America a better place to grow old. Our membership, which now includes the providers of the Visiting Nurse Associations of America, encompasses the continuum of services for people as they age, including those with disabilities. We bring together the most inventive minds in the field to lead and innovate solutions that support older adults wherever they call home. For more information visit leadingage.org.