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A number of caregiver bills currently wending their way through Congress may, if passed, substantially ease the challenges of caring for a loved one.  One of the most important areas being addressed is respite support. Among the most important of these initiatives:

S 1758/HR 3001:  Community Living and Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act
The CLASS Act would create a new national insurance program (financed through voluntary payroll deductions of $30 per month, with opt-out enrollment like Medicare Part B), to help adults with functional impairments to remain independent, employed, and part of their community. The funds would allow individual to pay for personal assistance services that would enable them to remain in their homes without unduly burdening family caregivers. Sponsored by Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), this bill would give individuals added choice and access to supports without requiring them (or their caregivers) to become impoverished to qualify.

HR 1032: Alzheimer’s Treatment and Caregiver Support Act
Sponsored by Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), this bill authorizes funding for expanded grants from the Health and Human Services Dept. for both public (governmental) and nonprofit providers that would work not only with Alzheimer’s patients but also provide training and support for their caregivers. A minimum of 10 percent of all grant funding would be directed to those health care organizations working primarily with those communities underserved with health care support.

S. 898, HR 1560:  Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act
Sponsored by Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA), S. 898/HR 1560 would amend the existing Public Health Service Act by providing funds for 1) increased levels of Alzheimer’s research, 2) assistance to caregivers, and 3) public education campaigns regarding Alzheimer’s prevention. It also stipulates that the National Institute of Aging conduct or support research related to caregiver support, among other research topics.

HR 2855:  Wounded Heroes’ Bill of Rights Act
While this bill, sponsored by Ciro Rodrigquez (D-TX) focuses primarily on the provision of “transitional” emergency support to armed forces members and veterans severely injured while on active duty, it also addresses caregivers’ needs by broadening and improving support for their family caregivers.

HR 3070:  Disabled Veterans’ Caregiver Compensation Act
Addressing the needs of family caregivers of military vets, this bill, sponsored by Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN) establishes additional funding to vets who are already receiving service-connected disability support for “totally disabling” injuries in cases where the primary caregiver is a family member who is financially dependent on that veteran.

S 1885:  Military Family Job Protection Act
Sponsored by Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL), S 1885 establishes employment protection for those family caregivers who are supporting armed forces members who have sustained illness and/or injuries while on active duty.
To make your voice heard with both the presidential candidates and your Congressional  members regarding the importance of these bills, find contact information at http://www.house.gov/ and http://www.senate.gov.