Healthcare: Ensuring Access and Freedom
Everyone Needs Care
At some point, we all need care, whether it’s for ourselves or a loved one. Yet many people face the challenges of caregiving alone or have to choose between their job and caring for family. It shouldn’t be so hard for anyone to get the care they need.
- Bipartisan Agreement: Care is a universal issue that everyone values. Support for care issues crosses party lines.
- Caregiver Strain: Many caregivers get no outside help, often sacrificing their own well-being.
THE PROBLEM
Job and Income Loss
Caregivers and those needing care often reduce working hours or leave jobs, losing income and career opportunities.
Financial Strain
Caregivers, disabled people, and older adults often use their savings for care, leading to financial insecurity.
Health Impact
The stress of caregiving can harm the health of both the caregiver and the person receiving care.
Aging and Disability Care Crisis
People shouldn’t have to choose between financial ruin and leaving the workforce to care for a loved one.
Private Equity Issues
Private equity firms in long-term care can reduce care quality and access. We need a regulated, nationally funded system to ensure quality care.
THE SOLUTION
Better Leadership
We need leaders who will fight for our right to choose where and how we receive aging and disability care services
Family Choice
Families should choose how and where they care for loved ones. Support systems should allow people to live and work as they choose.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
HCBS can provide necessary support, allowing people to live the lives they want. Nearly 90% of voters support investing in HCBS.
Paying Their Fair Share
Fair taxes on the wealthy could fund HCBS and other care supports.
KEY DATA POINTS
- Home Care Preference: 90% of older adults and 95% of disabled people in the U.S. want to receive care at home but lack support.
- Many are on long waiting lists for home care services.
- Medicaid Spending: In 2021, 63.2% of Medicaid services were for long-term care (HCBS) at home or in the community.
- Aging Population: About 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 every day. By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be over 65. Most prefer aging at home.
