Bill > HR3000

This bill addresses the growing long-term care workforce crisis and affordability challenges for seniors by establishing several key programs and initiatives. The bill first highlights the demographic challenges of an aging population, noting that 70% of Americans over 65 will require long-term care, and many seniors lack financial resources to cover these expenses. To address these challenges, the bill creates two main workforce development programs through the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to support education and training for direct care workers in assisted living facilities. Additionally, the bill establishes a Senior Care Cost Reduction Program that will provide monthly $1,000 allotments to low-income seniors (aged 70 and older) to help them afford assisted living facilities as an alternative to more expensive nursing home care. The program has specific financial eligibility requirements, including income limits and resource caps. Eligibility is limited to individuals who are chronically ill or eligible for long-term Medicaid services. The bill defines direct care workforce broadly, including workers who help seniors with daily living activities, community inclusion, and personal support. Funding for these programs will be drawn from previously allocated but unspent healthcare-related coronavirus relief funds, making the bill budget-neutral by repurposing existing resources.