Petition to Support People Who Need Home Care

The House passed an economic package (formerly known as the Build Back Better Act) last November and it includes $150 billion to expand affordable home care. The Senate needs to pass a package and it should include funding for home care, so that hundreds of thousands of seniors and people with disabilities who have been waiting can receive the care they need to live safely in their homes, and we can begin to fix the direct support workforce crisis. As Congress continues working on the economic package, we can't let our Senators forget about the urgent needs of our loved ones.

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Dear [Senator],

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The devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are far-reaching and severe for all Tennesseans, but this time is especially challenging for individuals who take care of older adults and adults with disabilities. As you know, older adults and adults with disabilities are most at risk of deadly consequences from contracting the virus, but many of them remain dependent on professional or family caregivers to meet their daily needs. Social isolation is not always an option. Caregivers put their own health, safety, and economic wellbeing on the line as they continue to serve those most in need. Family caregivers and the Home and Community Based Service industry shoulder a huge responsibility. Before the pandemic, we were already experiencing a nationwide caregiver shortage. COVID-19 further complicates this already devastating problem and Congress must act. Without caregiver support, many older adults and adults with disabilities will be forced into more expensive institutional care settings, where their health and safety would be at greater risk. The House passed a plan that provides $150 billion for the Medicaid program to support in-home health care that would help get people off waiting lists to receive home care and increase wages to better recruit and retain providers. The Senate should pass a version of Build Back Better that includes sufficient funding to expand affordable home care. People who rely on direct support professionals and family caregivers have been suffering for far too long. Congress must take this opportunity and immediately pass legislation that will improve the health and quality of life for people across the country.

Medicaid home and community-based services have been underfunded for decades. This critical funding will allow caregivers to continue their invaluable work so that at-risk individuals can remain safe in their homes and in the community.

Sincerely, [Your information here]