UNIVERSAL FAMILY CARE: DECISION POINTS FOR STATES IN IMPROVING THE CARE INFRASTRUCTURE THROUGH SOCIAL INSURANCE

This report presents policy options for a new social insurance program – akin to Social Security or Medicare – that would provide an integrated approach to protecting against the risk of needing to provide or receive care across the lifespan: Universal Family Care. The program would allow individuals and families to access caregiving supports at various points throughout the life course, from the arrival of a child to end-of-life care for a family member or oneself. The program covers three specific caregiving needs: long-term services and supports, paid leave, and early child care and education. This report identifies key design questions for states to consider in crafting a UFC program, outlines a range of vetted approaches, and describes the building blocks and tradeoffs involved. This analysis was developed during a year of deliberations by a Study Panel of 30 experts in care policies from a variety of perspectives.