Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris has recently put forth a comprehensive proposal aimed at enhancing Medicare’s coverage for long-term care, particularly addressing the needs of the “sandwich generation.” This term describes those Americans who juggle the responsibilities of raising their children while also caring for their aging parents.
In a recent live interview, Harris emphasized the difficulties faced by many in this demographic, stating, “There are so many people in our country who are right in the middle: They’re taking care of their kids and they’re taking care of their aging parents, and it’s just almost impossible to do it all, especially if they work.” She highlighted the emotional toll and financial strain that can lead caregivers to leave their jobs, thus losing crucial income.
The Vice President’s proposal aims to reform Medicare—an essential health insurance program for seniors and certain individuals under 65—with the introduction of at-home health benefits for those enrolled. This would expand coverage to include crucial services like home health aides, as well as hearing and vision benefits, a significant shift given that current Medicare policies largely exclude long-term care services.
Funding for these enhancements would come from a series of measures designed to curb costs, including expanding Medicare’s ability to negotiate drug prices, increasing discounts for certain brand-name medications, and tackling Medicare fraud. Harris also intends to address the lack of transparency from pharmaceutical benefit managers (PBMs), proposing greater regulation to ensure that pricing practices do not unfairly burden consumers.
Although the campaign has not provided a specific cost for the proposal, similar initiatives have been projected to require about $40 billion annually. This figure does not account for potential savings from reduced hospitalizations or the additional revenue generated as more unpaid family caregivers are able to return to work.
Harris’s Medicare proposal is part of a broader economic agenda that includes significant tax cuts for over 100 million Americans, including a notable $6,000 relief for new parents during their child’s first year. This comprehensive approach underscores her commitment to addressing the pressing needs of families navigating both caregiving and financial pressures.