Democratic Women’s Caucus and Congressional Progressive Caucus Call for Increased Support for HCBS

On March 30, both the Democratic Women’s Caucus and the Congressional Progressive Caucus released separate letters detailing their policy priorities and called for increased support for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). 

The Democratic Women’s Caucus sent a letter to the House Appropriations Committee, requesting various appropriations in discretionary and nondiscretionary spending, including “Strong investments in home and community-based services so our most vulnerable and their caregivers are adequately supported.”  

The Congressional Progressive Caucus also released a letter on the same day to the Biden Administration, recommending executive actions to support caregivers and ensure equal access to health care. The letter specifically recommended robust implementation of the Medicaid Equal Access Rule, including establishing a public process to ensure payment levels for home care providers are adequate and that rate increases are passed on to workers in the form of higher wages. 

Additionally, the letter called for a presidential proclamation recognizing care workers and providing specific guidance to federal agencies to better address the needs of the care economy and identify gaps in America’s care sector.  

Both letters emphasized the urgent need for increased support for HCBS and recognition of the critical role of caregivers in our society. A presidential proclamation was announced by the White House the following day titled “Care Workers Recognition Month.”