Vice President Kamala Harris mentioned Tuesday that she intends for Medicare to pay for long-term, in-home well being take care of a broader group of seniors, one thing she says this system can pay for by way of negotiating decrease drug costs.
Harris described the define of her proposal on ABC’s “The View,” saying the proposal will significantly assist folks within the so-called “sandwich” era — these concurrently caring for kids and getting old dad and mom.
“Principally what we are going to do is permit Medicare to cowl in-home well being care,” the Democratic nominee for president mentioned.
“As a result of we’re speaking about these sorts of issues the place it’s nearly serving to an getting old father or mother or individual put together a meal,” Harris continued. “Put their sweater on. And it’s about dignity for that particular person, it’s about independence for that particular person. Persons are of declining expertise to some extent, however their dignity has not declined, their delight has not declined.”
Medicare already covers in-home well being care as much as 35 hours every week for seniors who’re deemed homebound or whose sickness deems such assist needed. Seniors who require greater than “intermittent” care don’t qualify, in accordance with the Facilities for Medicare and Medicaid Companies. Harris’ proposal would seemingly broaden the definition of who qualifies for in-home assist, though her marketing campaign hasn’t but elaborated on the main points.
Harris didn’t say on the present how a lot her proposal would price. She mentioned Medicare would cowl the prices by negotiating drug costs with pharmaceutical firms, though it’s not but clear if these financial savings could be adequate to fund a possible large expense. The Biden administration has efficiently negotiated decrease costs for some medication lined by Medicare with pharmaceutical firms.
“There are such a lot of people who find themselves proper within the center. They’re taking good care of their youngsters and so they’re taking good care of their getting old dad and mom,” mentioned Harris. She mentioned many People have to go away their job and supply of earnings to take care of an getting old liked one.
Harris has mentioned the problem is private for her as she cared for her mom, Shyamala Gopalan, when she was recognized with colon most cancers almost 20 years in the past. She died in 2009.
Requested to distinguish herself from Mr. Biden, Harris mentioned they’re “completely different folks” who convey completely different “sensibilities” to the job, mentioning her expertise with dwelling well being care and deal with small companies. However pressed to distinguish herself from Mr. Biden on coverage, Harris didn’t. One of many present’s co-hosts requested Harris if she would have performed one thing otherwise than the president over the last 4 years.
“There may be not a factor that involves thoughts by way of — and I’ve been part of a lot of the choices which have had impression,” she mentioned.
On “The View,” the vp additionally warned Floridians to take Hurricane Milton critically, because it barrels towards Florida’s western coast. Floridians are nonetheless recovering from Hurricane Helene, which slammed the state’s Massive Bend area on Sept. 26.
“This one is gonna be completely different,” Harris mentioned of Milton.
The White Home on Tuesday introduced the president is canceling his journey to Angola and Germany this week so he can stay in Washington, D.C., overseeing the federal preparation for and response to the storm.