Better Care Better Jobs Act*
Category:
Sub-topic:
Proposal Overview
Name: Better Care Better Jobs Act*
Congress: 118th
Year: 2023
Sponsor and Co-Sponsors
Sponsor:
Senator Robert Casey (D-PA)
Co-Sponsors:
41 Democratic cosponsors
Companion Bill
Related Bills from Prior Congresses
Program Details
Overview: This bill creates new programs and funding for state Medicaid programs to improve access to home and community-based services (HCBS) and to support the direct care workforce. The bill is included in the Compendium of Federal Long-Term Services and supports (LTSS) Financing Policy Options. This analysis focuses on the bill’s family caregiving provisions.
HCBS Infrastructure Improvement Planning Grants
The bill provides HCBS planning grants to states. States must describe: 1) the current Medicaid HCBS landscape; 2) how they will use findings from experience of care surveys from family caregivers to improve quality of HCBS services to family caregivers; 3) how they will use the funds to improve HCBS services; and 4) how they will include input from family caregivers in their plans.
Enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP)
The proposal increases the FMAP for HCBS programs to 80% for qualifying states. States must provide supports to family caregivers, including respite; adopt qualification standards and training programs for caregivers; and update payment rates based on family caregiver feedback. Family caregiver support programs may also include caregiver assessments, peer supports, and paid family caregiving.
Self-Directed LTSS Delivery Models
The proposal encourages self-directed service models including family caregivers that might be hired as direct care workers.
Report
The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will report to Congress, including making recommendations to guide HCBS infrastructure improvement as informed by family caregivers.
HCBS Quality Measure Development
The Secretary of HHS will develop core HCBS quality measures informed by family caregivers.
Financing & Implementation
Program Administration
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and state Medicaid programs
Revenue Source(s)
Not specified
Program Cost Estimate
Not specified
Not specified
*Also included in the Compendium of Federal Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Financing Policy Options.