Bill · H.R. 2082· House(119-HR-2082)
WISH Act
- Introduced
- 3/11/2025
- Last activity
- 3/11/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- Sponsored by
- Thomas Suozzi
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 3
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Well-Being Insurance for Seniors to be at Home Act," or "WISH Act," aims to amend title II of the Social Security Act to provide long-term care insurance benefits. This bill establishes a Federal insurance plan to help seniors manage the financial risks of serious, long-term disability. It creates a Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Trust Fund to manage these benefits. The program targets individuals who have reached retirement age and meet specific disability and coverage requirements. The goal is to allow Americans to protect themselves and their families while reducing reliance on Medicaid.
Yes· 3 of 10
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+9
The bill creates a specific federal insurance benefit aimed at protecting seniors from the high costs of long-term care.
Would retired people be better off under this?+9
The bill is a major policy shift designed to provide financial security for retirees facing long-term care needs.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+8
The bill provides direct financial support for individuals facing long-term functional disabilities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Financial Protection Against Disability: The bill provides a monthly benefit to individuals who have attained retirement age, have a continual serious functional disability, and meet coverage requirements (Section 3(a)).
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Protection of Assets: Benefit payments are not considered income or resources when determining eligibility for other Federal, State, or local assistance programs, which helps prevent the exhaustion of family resources (Section 3(h)).
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Support for the Caregiving Workforce: The purpose of the Act includes supporting the workforce that provides direct services to elders living with disabilities (Section 2(b)).
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Information and Planning Resources: The Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to publish a 10-year public education plan regarding the nature, costs, and availability of long-term care (Section 5(a)). Additionally, the Commissioner of Social Security must provide information on how to obtain long-term care, including contact information for various agencies (Section 3(f)).
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Individualized Benefit Estimates: The Social Security Administration will provide eligible individuals with notices specifying their estimated benefits and their current level of coverage (Section 5(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Compliance Burdens for Caregivers: Individuals who hire a non-family member for paid personal care must comply with all State and Federal laws regarding minimum wage and the withholding of payroll and employment-related taxes (Section 3(i)(1)).
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Reporting Requirements: Beneficiaries are required to submit an annual statement to the Commissioner of Social Security to affirm their ongoing disability and compliance with employment laws, as well as specify their country of residence (Section 3(i)(2)).
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Risk of Benefit Loss: Benefits may not be paid if an individual fails to meet the required documentation or reporting standards (Section 3(i)(3)(A)). Furthermore, benefits will cease if an individual resides outside of the United States (or its territories) for more than five consecutive years (Section 3(i)(3)(B)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Retirees+9Good For Seniors+9Good For People With Disabilities+8Good For Low Income Households+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Social Security+8Improves Disability Rights+7Improves Poverty Reduction+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+5Improves Government Transparency+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+8
- 12/2/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 9/16/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 3/11/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormickDemocrat · Florida
Tracey MannRepublican · Kansas
John MoolenaarRepublican · Michigan
Kristen McDonald RivetDemocrat · Michigan
Christopher SmithRepublican · New Jersey