Democratic Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris Proposes Medicare Expansion for Home Health Aide Services
During a campaign rally in Wisconsin, Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, announced her proposal to expand the Medicare program to cover the costs of home health aide care for seniors and disabled individuals. In addition to this, Harris also aims to include vision, hearing, and dental benefits under Medicare. These provisions have been well-received by constituents, particularly Medicare beneficiaries and their families, as they would help alleviate financial burdens and provide essential care for those in need.
However, if elected president, Harris may face challenges in Congress in securing approval for the Medicare expansion and funding for the proposed plan. The expansion of Medicare to include home health aide services is a crucial aspect of Harris’ “Medicare at Home” initiative. This program would provide assistance to seniors and disabled individuals who require help with daily activities such as bathing, eating, and using the bathroom, as well as those facing cognitive impairments. The benefit would be universal, extending to all 67 million seniors and individuals with disabilities in the nation.
The proposal aims to support the so-called ‘sandwich generation,’ adults who are simultaneously caring for their children and aging parents. By providing in-home care services, Harris hopes to enable families to keep their loved ones at home rather than placing them in nursing or assisted living facilities.
To fund the new benefit, Harris has outlined several measures, including expanding the number of prescription drugs eligible for Medicare price negotiations, imposing taxes on companies that offshore jobs, and implementing payments from Medicare recipients based on household income.
Current Medicare Coverage
Under the current Medicare program, Part A and Part B cover eligible home health services related to specific care plans following surgeries, injuries, or illnesses. However, Medicare does not pay for 24-hour in-home care, meal delivery, or services unrelated to a care plan. Additionally, Medicare does not cover custodial or personal care for daily living activities like bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom unless they are part of a care plan.
Furthermore, Medicare does not provide coverage for vision, hearing, or dental services. While beneficiaries can enroll in private Medicare Advantage plans that offer these benefits along with certain home health aide services, the cost of additional services remains a concern.
Congressional Hurdles to Medicare Expansion
The cost of expanding Medicare to include home health aide, vision, hearing, and dental benefits is a significant consideration. Previous proposals for in-home healthcare have been estimated to cost billions of dollars annually, presenting a challenge for lawmakers in Congress.
Efforts to add vision, hearing, and dental benefits to Medicare in the past have faced resistance in Congress due to concerns about the associated costs. President Joe Biden’s attempts to include long-term home health care in legislative acts were unsuccessful, despite Democratic majorities in both the House and Senate. Addressing Medicare coverage for long-term care at home has been deemed financially unfeasible in the past, further complicating efforts to expand Medicare benefits.
Harris has suggested that cost savings from negotiating lower drug prices in the Medicare program could offset the expenses of the proposed benefits. However, the actual savings from these negotiations remain uncertain, raising questions about the feasibility of funding the Medicare expansion.
In conclusion, Kamala Harris’ proposal to expand Medicare to include home health aide services and additional benefits faces challenges in Congress, particularly regarding funding and cost projections. While the initiative aims to provide essential care for seniors and disabled individuals, the feasibility of implementing the plan remains a subject of debate among policymakers.
The Future of Prescription Drug Price Negotiation in Congress
Expanding the numbers of prescription drugs eligible for price negotiation under the IRA is a contentious issue that has yet to be resolved. Even if the cost offsets were to materialize, there is still the question of whether Congress would approve an amendment to the IRA to make it happen. With the Democrats currently lacking control of the House and holding only a slim majority in the Senate, the future of this proposal is uncertain.
Challenges Ahead
One of the main obstacles to expanding the numbers of prescription drugs eligible for price negotiation is the political landscape in Congress. With the November election looming, the make-up of Congress could shift dramatically, making it difficult to predict whether such an amendment would be approved.
Potential Benefits
Proponents of expanding the numbers of prescription drugs eligible for price negotiation argue that it could lead to significant cost savings for consumers. By allowing the government to negotiate prices with drug manufacturers, it is believed that prices could be lowered, making essential medications more affordable for those who need them.
The Road Ahead
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, efforts to expand the numbers of prescription drugs eligible for price negotiation are likely to continue. Advocates for this change will need to work diligently to build bipartisan support and make a compelling case for why it is necessary.
Ultimately, the future of prescription drug price negotiation in Congress remains uncertain. The outcome of the November election will play a significant role in determining whether this proposal moves forward or stalls. In the meantime, stakeholders on all sides will need to stay engaged and continue advocating for their positions.
