Critical LTC Investment in Moving in Congress

Posted on November 11, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

Congress is currently working on the Build Back Better Act, the second part of President Biden's infrastructure improvement effort. The BBB is a $1.75 trillion proposal to enhance and improve "social" infrastructure, including services to older adults. It is currently being finalized in the House. Then it will head to the Senate and, once both houses agree, to the President. The current version of the bill includes the following investments in programs for older adults-

• $500 million for HUD’s Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly funding program. More Section 202 housing, the bill's Home and Community Based Services and Money Follows the Person investments are vital to keeping low-income older adults from continuing to languish on the growing waiting lists for service-connected, affordable housing.

• $150 billion for Home and Community Based Services Expansion. Older adults want to get help to age in place wherever they call home. This investment will help ensure access to services and bolster wages of the direct care professionals who deliver that care.
• Critical LTC Workforce Investments:
  • $150 billion Medicaid HCBS Expansion
  • $1.6 billion for Nursing Home Workforce Training Grants.
  • $1 billion for grants to support the Direct Care Workforce
  • $425 million to expand the Health Profession Opportunity Grants
  • $20 million for Technical Assistance Centers for Supporting Direct Care and Caregiving.
  • $40 million in Funding to Support Unpaid Caregivers Behavioral Health Needs
  • $30 million in funding for Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training
  • $20 million for Hospice and Palliative Nursing
  • $350 million for individuals to carry out nontraditional apprenticeship programs

LeadingAge continues to advocate for as much investment in older adult services as possible in the BBB. Members are encouraged to send a message to their Representatives and Senators in support of more funding.