Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass the Build Back Better Act – a package of transformational investments in the health and economic security of older adults and families. The $150 billion investment in Medicaid home-based care will directly improve the lives of millions of aging adults and people with disabilities. This funding—the largest investment in home-based care since Medicaid began—will ensure older adults and people with disabilities have the care and supports they need to live with dignity and that workers who provide these essential services are fairly paid. We also applaud the inclusion of four weeks of paid leave for workers, which will bring relief to people who face impossible choices like caring for a loved one or risking their economic security or going to work sick and endangering others.
The package also includes historic investments in housing supports that will increase access to affordable housing for older adults and people with disabilities, caps Medicare Part D out-of-pocket costs, adds a hearing benefit to Medicare, and expands Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to the territories.
As the Senate takes up the legislation, Justice in Aging will continue to advocate for the inclusion of dental and vision benefits in Medicare and further improvements to SSI. We urge the Senate to act quickly to pass the Build Back Better Act. As we begin to recover from the pandemic and chart a more equitable future, older adults and families are counting on Congress to deliver on these transformational investments.