U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) on Jan. 28 introduced a bipartisan bill that would establish a $10 billion fund this year to help sustain America’s assisted senior-living facilities during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“Since the onset of the pandemic, hard-hit senior-living facilities across the nation have incurred major financial losses and have been met with an unprecedented workload,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “Seniors are among the most vulnerable populations, and it is our duty to ensure that assisted living communities are provided with the funding and support they need to keep their doors open and care for our elderly.”
Rep. Fitzpatrick signed on as the lead original cosponsor of the Safeguarding Elderly Needs for Infrastructure and Occupational Resources (SENIOR) Act of 2022, H.R. 6530, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA).
If enacted, H.R. 6530 would establish a two-pronged approach to ensure assisted-living facilities remain open and continue providing critical care via a $10 billion Caregiver Sustainability Fund for fiscal year 2022 that would “remain available until expended,” according to the text of the bill.
Additionally, the bill would authorize the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to award grants of not more than $1 million each to eligible entities to establish or expand a senior caregiver workforce training and recruitment program on its campus, the text says.
“Investing in senior care and the caregiving workforce prevents hospitalization and skilled nursing expenses, preserving Medicare and Medicaid budgets,” according to the bill’s text. “Since March of 2020, senior care facilities have lost over 380,000 caregivers and are experiencing a workforce crisis as America’s population rapidly ages.”
H.R. 6530 has been referred for consideration to both the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.