House Unanimously Passes Boback Bill Updating Family Caregiver Support Act

Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) announced the unanimous House passage of her bill, House Bill 464, that would expand the criteria of the Family Caregiver Support Program to mirror federal eligibility standards.

“This bill is not only important to caregivers and their families in my district, but all of Pennsylvania,” said Boback. “Expanding the protections that are provided for under the Family Caregiver Support Act, and removing maximum reimbursement rates for out-of-pocket expenses, home medications and assistive device expenses, is necessary. Changes to this act have not occurred in roughly 25 years and I am proud to see this legislation moving forward. Enactment of this bill will enable Pennsylvania to further assist those across the Commonwealth who need it most.”

Act 204 of 1990, the Family Caregiver Support Program, aims to ease the stresses of caregiving by supporting the well-being of the caregivers. Those providing care for older adults or those with Alzheimer’s Disease or related disorders, grandparents raising grandchildren, and grandparents raising adult children living with disability may be eligible to receive supports under the program.

The bill to expand the program now goes to the Senate for consideration.