Alzheimer's Association Calls for Passage of Legislation to Help Family Caregivers

Alzheimer's Association
Monday, 18 September 2000

"Family caregivers are the real unfinished business of this Congress" said Judy Riggs, of the Alzheimer's Association, at a congressional briefing on Alzheimer's disease held today. "A stunning $196 billion a year is contributed to the U.S. health care system by family and friends who provide care at home for the chronically ill, and they need help."

"Congress is debating the so-called Medicare 'give back' bill that will make adjustments to health care providers," said Riggs. "The first 'give back' should be to family caregivers -- the invisible part of the health care system. These families provide care at enormous personal cost -- to their physical and mental health, to their other family and job responsibilities and to their own financial security. Without their effort, our nation's health care system would collapse."

According to the Alzheimer's Association, there are three affordable actions that Congress must adopt before adjournment:

Enact a $3,000 tax credit for families who are providing long-term care for parents and spouses and adult children with disabilities.

Fund the Family Caregiver Support Program at $125 million, to help states and communities expand their respite and adult day care programs.

Fix the "homebound" problem in Medicare which is forcing people with Alzheimer's disease to choose between adult day care, which they pay for themselves and Medicare home health benefits when they need both to remain out of the hospital and the nursing home.

"We are encouraged by the bi-partisan support we see in Congress and from the White House," said Riggs. "And, we commend Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), the co-chairs of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease, for their leadership on these issues."

On Tuesday, President Clinton reaffirmed his recognition for the need to ease the strain long-term care inflicts on caregivers and their families. He renewed his call to pass legislation that includes a $3,000 tax credit for caregiver families and monies to support caregiver programs.

For more information, or to contact Alzheimer's Association, see their website at: www.alz.org