Center for Health Research & Transformation, 2021: Family Caregiver Support — State and Federal Policy and Programmatic Solutions
Category:
Proposal Overview
Name: Center for Health Research & Transformation: Family Caregiver Support — State and Federal Policy and Programmatic Solutions
Year: 2021
Sponsoring Organization and Key Author(s):
Sponsoring Organization:
The Center for Health and Research Transformation (CHRT) at the University of Michigan provides health research, analyses, surveys, demonstration projects, backbone support, and consulting the government agencies, nonprofits, foundations, health systems, and healthcare providers and payers.
Key Authors:
Not specified
Program Details
Overview: Policy brief describes trends in family caregiving and reviews six different state and federal policy options to support family caregivers. Federal policy options include expanding the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), strengthening the National Family Caregiver Support Program, and amending Social Security to provide working “credits” to caregivers.
Major Legislative Recommendations
Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs
Infrastructure
Recommends increased funding for the National Family Caregiver Support Program.
Workplace Supports
Expanded Family Medical Leave
Expand the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) by (1) expanding the definition of “family” to include more caregiver relationships; (2) broadening requirements to include smaller and part-time employer, and; (3) amending the act to require paid leave.
Retirement/Social Security
Amend Social Security to provide working “credits” for family caregivers who leave their jobs to provide care to family members.