Magaziner Co-Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Cut Red Tape for Family Caregivers

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Representatives Seth Magaziner (RI-02) and Kat Cammack (FL-03) introduced the Alleviating the Barriers for Caregivers Act (ABC) Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles for family caregivers. A companionbillhas also been introduced in the Senate by Sens. Ed Markey (D-MA) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), underscoring the broad, bipartisan commitment to making life easier for America's caregivers.

The legislation directs the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to review existing policies, forms, and procedures that impact family caregivers. The goal is to identify ways to streamline processes, reduce paperwork, and make it easier for caregivers to access essential services. Within two years, both agencies must report back to Congress with updates on their findings and any challenges they encounter.

"Every day, family caregivers provide essential support for their older parents, spouses, siblings, grandparents, and loved ones so they can live independently," said Representative Magaziner. "That is why I am introducing the Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act, a bicameral, bipartisan bill that will reduce stressful paperwork and make it easier for caregivers to navigate resources and benefits that are available to them."

"America's family caregivers work around-the-clock to provide essential care for their loved ones, and over half act as advocates on behalf of their family members. The last thing these caregivers need is more red tape that distracts from their support for those in their care," said Representative Cammack. "I'm honored to introduce this bipartisan and bicameral ABC Act with my colleagues to lower the burden around the important medical decisions caregivers must make every day. Together we can support the 48 million caregivers that make up a critical part of our health care landscape in the U.S."

"Caregivers, like my father was, serve on the frontlines of our nation's health care system by giving our families and friends the care and support they need to remain in their homes and communities with their loved ones," said Senator Markey. "But caregivers are struggling needlessly to navigate complex, burdensome, and stressful processes each and every day while also still managing day-to-day family and professional responsibilities. The Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act will help lift the weight off caregivers by clearing the red tape that so often gets in their way. I thank Senator Capito and Representatives Magaziner and Cammack for their partnership on this critical legislation."

"More than 1 in 4 Americans over 50 are now caregivers. I was one of these caregivers for my parents during their struggle with Alzheimer's disease and know personally how hard it can be to balance all of the responsibilities put on individuals caring for their loved ones," Senator Capito said. "One of the most common frustrations I hear from caregivers in West Virginia is how difficult it is to navigate federal processes and procedures. The Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act would attempt to ease this often-stressful time by requiring federal agencies, such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Social Security Administration, to review their processes, procedures, forms, and communications to reduce the administrative burden on family caregivers."

With nearly 50 million family caregivers across the U.S. providing an estimated $600 billion in unpaid care annually, the need for reform is urgent. More than half of these caregivers serve as advocates for their loved ones, navigating complex healthcare systems and government agencies. However, one in four say they struggle with paperwork and eligibility requirements for vital services.

The bill is endorsed by The AARP, ALS Association, Alzheimer's Association, American Heart Association, Autism Speaks, the Family Caregiver Alliance, the Home Care Association of America, and the National Alliance for Caregiving, and others.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.