Bill > SB1777

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 "activities of daily living" (ADLs) as basic self-care tasks like ambulating, feeding, dressing, personal hygiene, continence, and toileting, and outlines "eligible expenditures" as 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 care who has incurred these eligible expenses and meets specific 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 be funded through appropriations to a dedicated "family caregiver grant fund," with grants capped at $6,000 per caregiver annually. The bill also includes provisions for adjusting income limits for cost of living, rules for program implementation, and reporting requirements to the legislature. It clarifies that the act itself is not an appropriation and funds must be specifically allocated by the general appropriations act, with an initial legislative intent for a $600,000 appropriation in fiscal year 2026-2027.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1777&ga=114