Institute for Women’s Policy Research: Promoting Access to Care: Caregiving and Families
Sub-topic:
Proposal Overview
Name: Institute for Women’s Policy Research: Promoting Access to Care: Caregiving and Families
Year: 2025
Sponsoring Organization and Key Author(s):
Sponsoring Organization:
The Institute for Women’s Policy Research is
a nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank that engages in research and advocacy to support women from diverse backgrounds.
Key Authors:
Not specified
Program Details
Overview: This report highlights the nationwide crisis driven by decades of underinvestment in childcare and long-term care, leaving families unable to afford needed services and without caregiving support. The report documents the positive economic impact that could be derived by investments in childcare and caregiving workforce development. It recommends policy solutions to improve the accessibility and affordability of caregiving and calls for major federal investments.
Major Legislative Recommendations
Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs
Medicaid
Recommends increasing access to Medicaid HCBS through consistent and robust funding. The report highlights the Home and Community-Based Services Relief Act, which proposes two years of funding to states to improve HCBS programs. The report also recommends the Home and Community-Based Services Access Act, which would require coverage of HCBS under Medicaid, increase Medicaid funding for HCBS services, and support the direct care workforce and family caregivers.
Medicare
Recommends expanding Medicare to cover home care for older adults and people with disabilities.
Workplace Supports
Expanded Family Medical Leave
Recommends advancing paid family and medical leave and paid sick and safe leave. Details not specified.