WASHINGTON, DC – The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) strongly supports the Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act, a bipartisan legislative effort aimed at streamlining access to essential healthcare and financial benefits for family caregivers.
With over 48 million family caregivers in the United States — many from the Filipino American community — these individuals play a critical role in ensuring that loved ones receive quality care at home. Caregivers contribute an estimated $600 billion in unpaid labor annually, yet they often face complicated paperwork, long processing times, and administrative hurdles when navigating Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs.
How the ABC Act will help caregivers
The ABC Act (S. 3109/H.R. 8018), introduced by Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) & Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Representatives Kat Cammack (R-FL) & Seth Magaziner (D-RI), seeks to:
- Simplify eligibility and application processes for caregivers seeking federal benefits.
- Reduce redundant paperwork by improving agency communication and data-sharing.
- Provide clearer guidance on caregiving benefits and reduce response times from federal agencies.
- Require Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security Administration (SSA) to review and improve processes with input from caregivers and stakeholders.
- Report findings to Congress within one year to ensure continued progress.
Studies show that 31 percent of caregivers struggle with coordinating care, and one in four caregivers needs help navigating eligibility requirements. By reducing bureaucratic barriers, the ABC Act will allow caregivers to focus on what matters most—their loved ones.
NaFFAA calls for action
NaFFAA urges community members, policymakers, and advocates to support the ABC Act. Simplifying access to these vital resources is a necessary step toward reducing the burden on caregivers and strengthening Filipino American families.
Family caregivers are the backbone of our communities. They deserve a system that works for them, not against them. The ABC Act is an important step in ensuring that caregivers can continue providing care with dignity and stability.
To show your support for the ABC Act, contact your representatives and urge them to push for its passage.For more information, visit www.naffaa.org.
