Plain Language Summary
# WISH Act Summary **What It Does:** The WISH Act (Well-Being Insurance for Seniors to be at Home Act) would create a new federal long-term care insurance program to help seniors pay for care when they can no longer perform daily activities independently. If someone qualifies, the government would provide financial benefits to help them receive care—potentially allowing them to stay in their homes rather than move to nursing facilities. **Who It Affects and Key Requirements:** The bill targets seniors age 65 and older who have experienced serious, long-term disabilities. To qualify, a person must have been unable to perform at least two basic daily activities (like eating, bathing, dressing, or using the bathroom) without help for at least 90 days, or require constant supervision due to severe cognitive impairment. Eligibility also depends on income level and how long the disability is expected to last.
This would primarily benefit elderly Americans who cannot afford private long-term care insurance. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Rep. Thomas Suozzi (D-NY) in the 119th Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Well-Being Insurance for Seniors to be at Home Act or the WISH ActThis bill establishes a federal long-term care insurance benefit and provides specified funds for the program.To be eligible, an individual must have reached retirement age (currently between 65 and 67, depending on the individual’s year of birth) and have had a continual serious functional disability for between one and five years, depending on the individual’s income.Under the bill, an individual has a continual serious functional disability if a licensed health care practitioner has certified that the individualhas been unable to perform at least two activities of daily living (including eating, bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom) without substantial assistance for at least 90 days, or has a similar level of disability; orrequires substantial supervision to protect them from threats to health and safety due to severe cognitive impairment. The individual must also be expected to remain disabled for at least one year.The bill also establishes a Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Trust Fund and provides specified funds for the initial establishment of the benefit program, benefit payments during FY2026-FY2028, and public education related to the program.Finally, the Government Accountability Office must periodically report to Congress on consumer understanding of long-term insurance offerings, the likelihood of manipulation of eligibility criteria by beneficiaries, and the likelihood of financial exploitation or mistreatment by others on whom a beneficiary is dependent.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.