Capito’s bipartisan bill would help family caregivers navigate federal support processes

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) recently proposed bipartisan legislation that aims to support the nation’s more than 48 million family caregivers, who say they want help with forms, paperwork, and eligibility for services. 

“As a caregiver for my parents during their struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, I know personally the level of responsibility put on family caregivers and the burdens, which can be created by federal process and procedure,” Sen. Capito said on Oct. 30. “Caregivers in West Virginia and across our country put family first and balance multiple priorities at once, which is why we must do all we can to alleviate roadblocks that could delay and even prohibit them from receiving the support they need.”

Sen. Capito signed on as the lead original cosponsor of the Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act, S. 3109, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) and four other original cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

If enacted, S. 3109 would require the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to review their eligibility, processes, procedures, forms, and communications to reduce the administrative burden on family caregivers, according to the text of the bill.

The bill also would annually require CMS, SSA, and CHIP to report to Congress about any issues they are facing and any next steps they are taking to support family caregivers.

“I’m proud to introduce the Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act, which will help… [ease] the administrative burdens many of our family caregivers face,” said Sen. Capito.

Sen. Markey pointed out that caregivers serve on the frontlines of the nation’s healthcare system by giving families and friends the care and support they need to remain in their homes and communities.

“However, our aging and disabled community members can’t get the care they need if their caregivers… are struggling to navigate complex, burdensome, and stressful processes each and every day while also still managing day-to-day family and professional responsibilities,” he said. “The Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act will help lift the weight off caregivers by clearing the red tape that so often gets in their way.”