Bill Supports Wage Subsidies, Benefits for Long-Term Care Staff

Rep. Steven Horsford (D, Nevada) recently introduced a bill in the US House of Representatives that aims to improve nursing home care by strengthening wages and benefits for long-term care workers.

“This legislation will invest in our care workers in nursing homes across the country so they can retain their skilled workers, while also expanding the workforce by attracting new individuals to the field,” Representative Horsford said.

The Nursing Home Workforce Support and Expansion Act would provide funding to states for grants to support post-acute and long-term care staff. Grant amounts would be based on the population of people aged 65 and older and people with disabilities.

The funding must be used to help provide wage subsidies to employees in post-acute and long-term care positions, as well as to provide student loan repayment or tuition assistance to long-term care workers and those training for long-term care positions. In addition, funds should be used to support childcare and transportation assistance.

Funding may also be used for emergency financial assistance funds, donations such as interview clothes and conference fees, legal assistance, and to help support eligible employers in offering at least 2 weeks of paid annual leave.

LeadingAge, the Service Employees International Union, and the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living support the bill.

“This legislation will drive more caregivers to the nursing home field by offering meaningful funding to assist with their everyday lives,” said Clif Porter, senior vice president of government relations at the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living. “These smart investments will help build the critical pipeline of professionals who are needed to care for the growing number of seniors and individuals with disabilities.”

Reference

Horsford introduces legislation to improve nursing home care for Nevada seniors. News release. Congressman Steven Horsford; April 10, 2024. Accessed April 11, 2024. https://horsford.house.gov/media/press-releases/horsford-introduces-legislation-to-improve-nursing-home-care-for-nevada-seniors