Long-Term Services and Supports Benefit Program.
The implementation of AB 2813 addresses growing concerns regarding the adequacy of long-term care services, especially as California's aging population is expected to rise significantly over the next decade. Currently, a large portion of older adults and individuals with disabilities lack adequate access to necessary services due to a shrinking private market for long-term care. As many as 8 million Californians will be affected, creating a substantial demand for reliable support systems and financial solutions that alleviate burdens on families and the public safety net.
Assembly Bill 2813, introduced by Assembly Member Santiago, establishes a Long-Term Services and Supports Benefit Program aimed at providing supportive care to aging Californians and individuals with physical disabilities. The bill mandates the California Department of Aging, in collaboration with a board under the auspices of the State Treasurer, to administer this program upon appropriation. It establishes a designated fund that will facilitate the payment of benefits, which can exceed the amount an individual contributes into the fund, based on specified eligibility criteria including years of contribution and need for assistance with daily activities.
Although the bill seeks to create a structured support system, there may be contention regarding the funding mechanisms required to sustain the program. By placing shared funding responsibilities on all Californians, it may raise concerns about equitable contributions and potential resistance from those who do not anticipate requiring such services. Additionally, there exists a substantial reliance on family caregivers, predominantly women, who may struggle balancing their caregiving responsibilities with the demands of their own work and financial stability. This highlights the critical need for adequate support to prevent worsening the already significant societal and economic burdens affecting informal caregivers.