S.830 - Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.830, the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2025, aims to reauthorize the program related to lifespan respite care by amending the Public Health Service Act. The bill modifies the definition of "family caregiver" and extends the program's funding through fiscal year 2030. It was introduced in the Senate on March 4, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill is the continuation of federal support for respite care services. This ensures that caregivers of individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions can access temporary relief. The change in the definition of 'family caregiver' to 'unpaid individual' broadens the scope of who can be supported by the program.
Potential Benefits
- Provides continued support for family caregivers, enabling them to maintain their own health and well-being.
- Ensures individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions receive consistent care.
- Potentially reduces the burden on state and local resources by providing federal funding.
- Broadens the definition of caregiver to include more individuals providing unpaid care.
- Extends the program's funding for an additional five years, providing stability and predictability.
Potential Disadvantages
- The bill does not address the overall adequacy of funding for respite care, potentially leaving some needs unmet.
- There may be administrative overhead associated with managing the program.
- The bill does not introduce new innovative approaches to respite care, focusing primarily on reauthorization.
- Potential for funds to be mismanaged or inefficiently allocated, although no evidence suggests this will occur.
- The bill does not address the long-term sustainability of the program beyond 2030.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to support the well-being of caregivers and individuals with disabilities. Specifically, the preamble states the Constitution is intended to "promote the general Welfare". The bill's focus on healthcare and support services falls under Congress's power to allocate funds for the general welfare. There are no apparent conflicts with specific constitutional provisions or amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).