Bills · HR 2082
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 2082Social Welfare
WISH Act
INTRO MAR 11· LAST ACTION MAR 11
READING
16MIN
COSPONSORS
5BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it addresses a looming financial challenge for many American families: the high and often unexpected costs of long-term care. Currently, most private long-term care insurance is expensive and not widely held, leaving many seniors to pay out-of-pocket until their savings are depleted, often forcing them onto Medicaid.
If this bill becomes law, it would create a new federal safety net, similar to how Social Security currently provides retirement or disability income. This could offer significant financial relief and peace of mind for older adults and their families facing long-term care needs, potentially allowing more people to receive care at home or in their communities without becoming impoverished. Without it, the current trend of individuals spending down assets to qualify for Medicaid, and the resulting strain on families and state budgets, is likely to continue as the population ages.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a new Long-Term Care Insurance Benefit under Title II of the Social Security Act.
This creates a new federal insurance program designed to help older Americans pay for ongoing personal care due to serious disabilities.
PROVISION 02
Defines eligibility for benefits based on attaining retirement age, having 'insured status' (6 quarters of coverage after 2026), and experiencing a 'continual serious functional disability' for a 'substantial period of time.'
These criteria determine who can receive the new benefits, linking eligibility to work history and a specific type and duration of disability.
PROVISION 03
Sets the monthly benefit amount based on the estimated median cost of 6 hours per day of paid personal assistance, adjusted by an individual's quarters of coverage (up to 40).
This provision outlines how much financial support eligible individuals would receive, aiming to cover a significant portion of typical home care costs.
PROVISION 04
Institutes a 'substantial period' (waiting period) before benefits begin, which is at least 12 months for lower earners and increases for those with higher average indexed monthly earnings.
This means individuals will need to cover initial long-term care costs themselves for at least a year, with the waiting period varying based on their lifetime earnings.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 5
D· New York
YRS IN OFFICE
9
BILLS LED
26
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 80%
DEM 2 REP 3 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 11
Introduced in House
MAR 11
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 2082
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 11, 2025
Last actionMar 11, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 11, 2025
House BillHR 2082Social Welfare
WISH Act
INTRODUCED MAR 11, 2025· LAST ACTION MAR 11, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
16 min
COSPONSORS
5
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
