House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Patients and Caregivers

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled Legislative Proposals to Support Patients and Caregivers. During the hearing, the committee discussed 19 pieces of legislation designed to support patients and caregivers in the key areas of autism, heart defects, Alzheimer’s Disease, breast cancer screening, stillbirth, lung cancer, cardiomyopathy, and Down Syndrome.  

Although the bills were not focused on Medicaid long-term services and supports, there were several that addressed natural supports and caregivers. For example, H.R. 6160, the bill to amend the Public Health Service Act, would reauthorize a lifespan respite care program that offers respite for caregivers. Summaries of each bill can be found in the subcommittee’s hearing memo.