Synopsis:

H.R. 2535 would authorize $15 million per year until 2022 for the Department of Health and Human Services to award to state lifespan respite programs. The appropriation is about six times larger than the amounts made available to HHS in the past few years. Respite services enable unpaid family caregivers to take short breaks, reducing the mental and physical health risks they face. Since the Lifespan Respite Care Act passed in 2006, more than 30 states, including Delaware, have created programs to provide or fund respite care. However, the act was allowed to expire in 2011 and funding has been scarce ever since.

Supporters:

Reps. Jim Langevin (D-R.I.), Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) et al.; Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.) et al.; AARP, Alzheimer’s Association, The Arc, ARCH National Respite Network, Association of University Centers on Disability, Autism Society, Easterseals, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Paralyzed Veterans of America, United Cerebral Palsy.

Opponents:

None reported.

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