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119-s-3231119th CongressWALLET

Respite CARE Act

Sponsored By: Senator Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]

Introduced

Summary

Integrated respite care grants to give family caregivers short-term relief while they get other support services. The bill would authorize the Assistant Secretary to award grants to eligible entities to develop or expand integrated caregiver support services.

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  • Families and caregivers: Family caregivers would get respite care that can include health care and child care. The law would specifically cover older relative caregivers age 55 or older and require services be accessible, including assistive technology, translation, and American Sign Language.
  • Providers: Grant recipients may provide respite directly or contract with health care providers or child care providers. Child care providers must meet state licensing rules and participate in the State quality tier system or meet Tribal rules.
  • Eligible applicants: States, local government agencies, nonprofits, area agencies on aging, multipurpose senior centers, institutions of higher education, and Tribal organizations may apply for grants.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Which providers can give respite

If enacted, the bill would let grant recipients contract with health care providers defined under the Public Health Service Act and with Federally Qualified Health Centers. It would also require child care providers to be licensed, join the State's tiered quality system, and meet state and local rules to be eligible. Family child care providers would generally care for children in a private home and follow hour limits. These rules could expand clinical contracting options but add licensing and paperwork for small child care providers.

More respite help for caregivers

If enacted, the bill would create federal grants to expand respite care and other caregiver services together. Grants would require respite to be given at the same time and in the same setting as supportive services. Services must be accessible, using assistive tech, translation, and formats like American Sign Language. Eligible groups such as state or local agencies, nonprofits, area agencies on aging, senior centers, colleges, and Tribal organizations must apply to the Assistant Secretary for funds.

Who qualifies and what is respite

If enacted, the bill would define who counts as a family caregiver and as an older relative caregiver. It would say respite care can include health care and child care for the care recipient. The bill would exclude paid or professional caregivers from the family caregiver definition. Older relative caregivers would be age 55 or older, live with and be the primary informal caregiver, and meet relationship and custody or guardianship conditions for child care cases.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]

MA • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 11/20/2025

  • Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 11/20/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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