Bill > HB1443

This bill, titled the "Caring for Caregivers Act," establishes a pilot program to provide financial relief to family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. The program defines key terms such as "activities of daily living" (ADLs), which include basic self-care tasks like ambulating, feeding, dressing, hygiene, continence, and toileting, and "eligible expenditures," which are uncompensated costs directly related to assisting the caregiver, such as home modifications, necessary equipment, or respite care (temporary relief for the caregiver). An "eligible family member" is someone diagnosed with Alzheimer's or related dementia who needs help with at least two ADLs and lives at home, not in a facility. A "family caregiver" is an individual providing this care who has incurred eligible expenses and meets certain income limitations, with priority given to very low income and low income households. The program will run from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2029, and will offer grants of up to $6,000 per family caregiver annually, with funds coming from appropriations, gifts, and donations. The bill also outlines provisions for investing program funds, adjusting income limits for cost of living, and reporting on the program's status. It clarifies that this act is not an appropriation itself, and funds must be specifically allocated by the general appropriations act, with an initial recommended appropriation of $600,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1443&ga=114