Better Care Better Jobs Act

The Better Care Better Jobs Act (S. 2210) is a legislative proposal designed to expand access to home- and community-based services (HCBS) for seniors and individuals with disabilities. By providing increased federal funding to state Medicaid programs, the bill aims to reduce long waitlists for at-home care and allow more people to receive medical and personal assistance in their own homes rather than in nursing homes or other institutions.

For citizens, the bill’s practical impact includes:

Expanded Care Options:* It would make it easier for eligible individuals to qualify for and receive professional care at home, including personal care, rehabilitative services, and case management.

Workforce Support:* The bill seeks to improve the quality of care by raising wages and benefits for home care workers, which is intended to reduce staff turnover and ensure a more stable workforce for families.

Financial Protections:* It would permanently establish protections that prevent the spouses of those receiving home-based care from losing their income or assets to qualify for Medicaid, and it makes permanent a program that helps transition individuals from institutional settings back to their communities.

Status: The bill was introduced in the 117th Congress and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance. While it did not become law during that session, it has served as a framework for ongoing discussions regarding "care infrastructure" and was reintroduced in subsequent sessions (such as S. 100 in the 118th Congress) to continue the push for long-term care reform.