Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing the Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act, legislation aimed at easing administrative challenges faced by millions of family caregivers across the country. Senators Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) are co-leading the initiative in the Senate, while Representatives Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) and Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) are spearheading the effort in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The ABC Act would require the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to review and assess their eligibility requirements, procedures, forms, and communications. The goal is to identify and reduce administrative burdens that caregivers often encounter when navigating these federal systems.
According to the legislation, these agencies would be required to report to Congress within two years, detailing any challenges faced during the review process and outlining subsequent steps to further support caregivers.
In Alabama, approximately 700,000 individuals serve as family caregivers—representing roughly 13.9% of the state’s population. Nationally, more than 48 million Americans provide unpaid care for seniors and people with disabilities.
Senator Britt, who also cosponsored the bill during the 118th Congress, emphasized the importance of supporting caregivers through more efficient systems. “Alabama’s family caregivers are the best among us, dedicating their time and efforts to care for their loved ones,” Britt said. “This legislation provides critical support to help relieve these administrative burdens and ensure the care they provide isn’t impeded by red tape.”
Senator Markey described the act as a way to remove unnecessary obstacles for caregivers. “Caregivers are struggling needlessly to navigate complex, burdensome, and stressful processes,” he stated, citing his own family’s experiences and thanking his colleagues for their partnership in the legislation.
Senator Capito also drew from personal experience as a caregiver for her parents during their battle with Alzheimer’s. She highlighted feedback from West Virginians frustrated with federal red tape. “This legislation is a meaningful step to support caregivers during what is often an emotionally and physically taxing time,” Capito said.
The legislation comes in response to growing concern over the increasing responsibilities placed on unpaid caregivers. Many serve as advocates for their loved ones, helping manage communication with healthcare providers, community services, and government programs. Despite their essential role, a significant number report difficulty managing forms, paperwork, and eligibility requirements, in addition to coping with emotional, financial, and professional responsibilities.
If passed, the ABC Act would mark a coordinated effort across federal agencies to better accommodate the needs of caregivers and streamline access to essential programs.
The bill now awaits consideration in both chambers of Congress.
