Press Republican - Stefanik Co-Sponsors Caregiver Bill

News Article

By: Eli Anderson

U.S. Rep. Elise M. Stefanik has co-sponsored legislation that seeks to support those who care for chronically ill relatives, neighbors or friends.

The bill, called the RAISE Family Caregivers Act, was introduced July 16, 2015, by Republican Congressman Gregory Harper, of Mississippi.

It calls on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to establish and maintain a National Family Caregiving Strategy -- a series of actions that federal, state and local governments, as well as health-care and community agencies, can follow to support and empower family caregivers.

"There are over 40 million family caregivers in the United States and these essential caregivers are sometimes left without the support of their local and federal governments and may not know where to turn when they need help," said Stefanik (R-Willsboro).

"Our district has one of the highest populations of seniors in New York state, and I am proud to support this important legislation to help those who care for our most vulnerable."

ADVISORY COUNCIL

The bill identifies a family caregiver as any "relative, partner, friend or neighbor who has a significant relationship with, and who provides a broad range of assistance for, a person with a chronic or other health condition disability or functional limitation."

If the bill is passed, Health and Human Services would be responsible for implementing a more family oriented model of care, placing the patient at the center of all service and support settings while allowing families to become more involved in planning and assessment.

The department would also assist with setting up training, education and information initiatives, as well as workplace policies that allow caregivers to remain in the workforce.

To do so, the bill proposes that Health and Human Services also convene a Family Caregiving Advisory Council to provide advice to Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell.

The council would consist of representatives from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Administration for Community Living, Administration of Children and Families, the Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies.

It would also include family caregivers, adults with long-term service and support needs, individuals with disabilities, employers, local officials and other experts.

BILL FOR VETERANS

The bill is currently being considered by the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education.

Should it become law, Health and Human Services would have no more than 18 months to implement a strategy.

In November, Rep. Stefanik introduced a similar bill to reform the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Family Caregiver Program.

"Those who are hurt while protecting our nation deserve the best care we can provide," she said, "and this important legislation will help our military caregivers receive the benefits they need to take care of our heroes."

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