Washington, DC—Today, Congressional champions introduced the Better Care Better Jobs Act, which makes good on President Biden’s $400 billion commitment to Medicaid home- and community-based services (HCBS).  

The Better Care Better Jobs Act provides for permanent enhanced federal Medicaid match funding to states that expand and strengthen services for aging adults and people with disabilities, while also increasing compensation for and growing the direct care workforce. With this investment, states will have the funding and support necessary to strengthen and fill the gaps in the current HCBS system.  

“The Better Care Better Jobs Act makes the necessary investments to ensure older adults can have equitable access to the services and supports they need to age in their homes and communities,” said Kevin Prindiville, Executive Director of Justice in Aging. “Now is the time for bold investments in the care infrastructure. This bill is fundamental to mend the inequities in our long-term care system and to support the people who provide care. Justice in Aging is committed to working with Congress to enact this transformative legislation so older adults can age in dignity.”  

“This investment in HCBS will absolutely transform the lives of older adults who right now don’t have access to the services and supports they need to live safely in their own homes,” added Natalie Kean, Senior Staff Attorney at Justice in Aging. “It is a winning policy for people with disabilities of all ages, family caregivers, and workers. It will help us build the inclusive communities we want to live and age in.”