Trump Signs RAISE Family Caregivers Act to Assist Family Caregivers
On Monday, Trump signed the bipartisan Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act. The new law gives the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services 18 months to come up with a plan that supports those who take care of a family member with an illness, disability or “functional limitation.”
On Wednesday, Alex Azar, former president of the U.S. division of the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly & Co., was confirmed secretary of health and human services. His appointment follows the resignation of former Georgia Rep. Tom Price.
Azar’s plan will include recommendations for federal, state and local governments as well as community resources to support family caregivers and their needs, including respite options, financial security, workplace issues and training supports related to hospice care and palliative care.
“Family caregivers are the backbone of our care system in America,” Nancy A. LeaMond, AARP’s chief advocacy and engagement officer, said in a statement. “We need to make it easier for them to coordinate care for their loved ones, get information and resources, and take a break so they can rest and recharge.”
In developing a plan, the secretary will consult with an advisory council, which will include family caregivers, people with disabilities and others in the field. Advisory council meetings will be open to the public, and the plan will be updated every other year.
The act was well-received by many people and organizations on Twitter.
RAISE act could help family caregivers.
My sister and I cared for my mom out of love but I don't even want to calculate how much income we lost caring for her.https://t.co/clZ8cUrBcE
— Jeanne Erdmann (@jeanne_erdmann) January 17, 2018
As family caregiver advocates for decades, the passage of the RAISE #FamilyCaregiversAct is critical for coordination and policies at the federal level to support family caregivers! Kudos to bipartisan Congressional leadership on this issue! @CaregiverAlly https://t.co/gOwRVtRit2
— Kathleen Kelly (@KKellyFCA) January 23, 2018
A big win for America’s family #caregivers as the #bipartisan RAISE Family Caregivers Act is officially passed. We look forward to an insightful and engaging year as all Americans work together to better serve those who give so much to us. #WeWontWait #Alz
— WomenAgainstAlz (@WomenAgstAlz) January 25, 2018
#Caregivers are the backbone of this nation and it's time we came together to support them. I'm thrilled to know that 2018 will be the year we do so with the passing of the #bipartisan RAISE Family Caregivers Act. Congratulations to all who worked so hard to make this a reality.
— George Vradenburg (@vradenburg3) January 25, 2018
A special thanks to @SenatorBaldwin who's supported our efforts to inform and educate Alzheimer's caregivers since Day 1, for her work with Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act. #AlzCaregiving
— Marty Schreiber (@MyTwoElaines) January 23, 2018
In some states, family caregivers can be paid through Medicaid. However, according to AARP, 43.5 million caregivers were unpaid in 2015.
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Header image via the White House Facebook page.
Elizabeth is the reporter at The Mighty. Elizabeth also runs the Elizabeth Explains column of Mighty Brief, The Mighty's daily newsletter. Follow her on twitter @ekcassidy4 or send an email to elizabeth@themighty.com.
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