The National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) strongly opposes the budget reconciliation bill passed by the House today. This bill includes devasting cuts to Medicaid and other foundational safety net programs on which millions of American families depend.
Family caregivers are the backbone of our nation’s healthcare system and long-term care system, supporting families in every city and congressional district across the country. The deep Medicaid cuts proposed by the House threaten vital support for family caregivers and the home and community-based services that keep families together. These cuts jeopardize the ability of aging adults and people with disabilities to remain in their communities rather than requiring costly institutional care.
Stripping resources for healthcare and community services from our most vulnerable citizens doesn’t build economic strength—it puts caregivers and their families at greater risk of crisis. Many caregivers have already left the workforce or reduced hours to provide essential support with daily activities, nursing tasks, and medical transportation. Adding Medicaid work requirements doesn’t promote self-sufficiency; it merely burdens family caregivers with unnecessary paperwork on top of their essential caregiving responsibilities.
Caregiving has united lawmakers across party lines, from the RAISE Family Caregiving Act to the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers. This bipartisan recognition acknowledges that supporting caregivers keeps American families strong. Congress must honor this legacy by rejecting this short-sighted package and protecting the essential programs that help family caregivers reach their full potential.
