Leadership for Congressional Committees Central to Medicaid LTSS Policy

As the 119th Congress begins, key leadership for House and Senate committees shaping Medicaid long-term services and supports (LTSS) policy has been established .

Senate Committees

• Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee
  • Chair: Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA)
  • Ranking Member: Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT)

This committee oversees many federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), making its leadership instrumental in addressing LTSS workforce challenges and access issues.

• Senate Appropriations Committee
  • Chair: Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME)
  • Ranking Member: Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)

With jurisdiction over federal funding, this committee’s work is essential to sustaining and ensuring adequate support for LTSS programs.

• Senate Finance Committee
  • Chair: Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID)
  • Ranking Member: Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR)

The Finance Committee’s leadership will be pivotal in advancing Medicaid reforms, as it holds jurisdiction over Medicaid funding and program rules.

• Senate Special Committee on Aging
  • Chair: Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL)
  • Ranking Member: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)

This committee focuses on issues affecting older Americans and people with disabilities, including the availability and quality of LTSS, and will likely play a significant role in advancing related policy discussions.

House Committees

• House Appropriations Committee
  • Chair: Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK)
  • Ranking Member: Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT)

Tasked with overseeing federal spending, this committee’s leadership will play a significant role in determining funding levels for programs impacting people with disabilities, including those supporting LTSS.

• House Education and the Workforce Committee
  • Chair: Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI)
  • Ranking Member: Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA)

This committee has jurisdiction over DOL and focuses on workforce-related issues, including initiatives to address the Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce crisis and ensure the sustainability of LTSS services.

• House Energy and Commerce Committee
  • Chair: Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY)
  • Ranking Member: Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ)

With jurisdiction over Medicaid, this committee’s leadership will influence key policy discussions and reforms related to LTSS access, funding, and service delivery.

These leaders will play critical roles in advancing policies that address Medicaid LTSS challenges, ensuring individuals with disabilities and older adults have access to essential care and supports.