Senate Democrats push for first new Medicare benefit in decades| STAT

WASHINGTON — A group of Senate Democrats is proposing that Medicare cover in-home care, which would create the first new benefit in the program since the Part D retail drug benefit more than 20 years ago. 

The long-term care proposal is the final piece of a three-part health care plan that senators, led by Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), are using to outline their vision and draw contrasts with Republicans ahead of the midterm elections. Earlier this year, they proposed a plan to lower drug costs and a framework for private health insurance overhaul.

The plan is not detailed, and does not offer cost estimates or address the question of funding. In addition to creating a home care benefit, it calls for spending more to shore up long-term care in Medicaid and creating stricter nursing home staffing standards. It also includes a workforce component aimed at training more long-term care employees and providing them better pay and benefits.