In his State of the Union Address last night, President Obama reiterated his support for comprehensive health reform, but the fate of this legislative effort remains uncertain.

While Congressional leaders explore potential paths forward, the bills that have passed the House and the Senate include several provisions that would strengthen the direct-care workforce.

The current edition of Aging Today, the American Society on Aging‘s bimonthly newspaper that covers developments in the field of aging, features an article from PHI that makes the case that health care reform efforts cannot ignore the critical importance of long-term services and support.

In “Preparing America to Care: Healthcare Reform Must Strengthen Eldercare Services” (pdf), PHI Government Affairs Director Carol Regan and Communications Director Karen Kahn contend that health care policy has been focused traditionally on acute care needs. The debate on health care reform offers an opportunity to take a closer look at access to the supports and services that direct-care workers provide, making it possible for many older adults and people with age-related disabilities to live independently and with dignity.

Better Jobs Lead to Better Care

Investing in direct-care workforce jobs — offering better pay and job quality — will both benefit low-income caregivers and lead to better care, write the authors. A consistent relationship with a caregiver is a key indicator of quality care, yet poor quality direct-care jobs in the nursing home and home care industry result in high turnover rates.

The article includes some sobering facts about the direct-care workforce — the fastest-growing occupation in the country (pdf):

• Direct-care workers annual incomes often fall below 200 percent of poverty.
• Four out of 10 direct-care workers live in households that receive some form of public assistance.
• Nearly 30 percent of all direct-care workers are uninsured, yet nursing assistants have the highest occupational injury rates.
• Federal training requirements for certified nursing assistants and home health aides have remained the same since they were instituted — 20 years ago. There are no training requirements at all for personal and home care aides.

Key Health Reform Provisions

Key provisions in the health reform legislation that would improve the quality of jobs for direct-care workers and long-term services and supports for America’s families include:

• Affordable health coverage for all Americans
• Improved training standards for direct-care workers
• The CLASS (Community Living Assistance Services and Support) Act, which would provide a voluntary public insurance program to help families pay for long-term care

Long-term care organizations and health reform advocates — including the PHI Health Care for Health Care Workers Campaign, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, and Health Care for America Now — mounted efforts during the week of January 25 to call on Congress to pass comprehensive health care reform legislation.

To receive action alerts from PHI’s HCHCW campaign, subscribe to our HCHCW Action Alerts.

– by Deane Beebe