Harris proposes that Medicare cover more in-home health care, filling a large gap for older Americans and their caregivers

Getty Images Stock Photo by Jane Tavares, UMass Boston and Marc Cohen, UMass Boston Vice President Kamala Harris outlined a proposal to allow Medicare to expand its coverage of home health care for older Americans. The Democratic presidential nominee announced this plan on the television talk show “The View.” Harris explained that she aimed to take the burden off members of the “sandwich generation,” who are taking care of their kids and aging parents at the same time. She said the cost of this additional paid care could be paid for with the money the government will save by negotiating with pharmaceutical companies to reduce what Medicare pays for prescription drugs. The Conversation U.S. asked Jane Tavares and Marc Cohen, scholars of long-term care, to assess what’s known so far about the plan. Vice President Kamala Harris’ proposal would allow Medicare to expand its coverage of home health care aides for older Americans. FredFroese/E+ via Getty Images Why is long-term care significant? Long-term services and supports are one of the most significant expenses for older adults. They range from nonmedical assistance with food preparation, bathing, dressing and other activities of daily living to medical care in a skilled nursing facility....