Representative Kat Cammack (R-FL) has introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at reducing the bureaucratic red tape surrounding family caregivers who administer medications to their loved ones.
Named the Alleviating Barriers to Caregivers Act, Rep. Cammack's bill requires several health-related federal agencies, such as Social Security, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), to seek and alleviate regulatory burdens for family caregivers.
After all, one in four family caregivers desire assistance figuring out eligibility, paperwork, and forms while balancing competing responsibilities and the stress of emotional, physical, and financial challenges.
Approximately 48 million Americans serve as family caregivers, and more than half act as advocates for their charges, interacting with healthcare providers, government agencies, and local services.
"America's family caregivers work around-the-clock to provide essential care for their loved ones, and over half act as advocates on behalf of their family members. The last thing these caregivers need is more red tape that distracts from their support for those in their care," said Rep. Cammack in her press release, adding, "I'm honored to introduce this bipartisan and bicameral ABC Act with my colleagues to lower the burden around the important medical decisions caregivers must make every day. Together, we can support the 48 million caregivers that make up a critical part of our healthcare landscape in the U.S."
Representative Seth Magaziner (D-RI), the bill's cosponsor in the House, said, "Family caregivers have a lot on their plates, devoting their lives to support others."
"They shouldn't have to struggle with confusing paperwork and delays on top of their essential work. The bipartisan ABC Act will make it easier for families to get the support they need so caregivers can focus on what matters most — caring for their loved ones," Rep. Magaziner continued.
Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Ed Markey (D-MA) are introducing the bill in the Senate.
