Lawmakers hear calls to allow spouses and family members to be paid as caregivers

Representative Jim O'Day and other proponents asked the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing to endorse legislation that would allow more family members — including spouses and legally responsible guardians — to be paid for providing in‑home care to relatives.

Why this matters: Witnesses said many Massachusetts residents rely on unpaid family caregivers and that allowing payment for family members would ease financial strain and help people remain safely at home.

“Although Massachusetts compensates some of these services, the law currently prohibits most family members from being paid for the care that they give,” Representative Jim O'Day told the committee in support of House Bill 13 94, which would expand the circumstances under which family caregivers can be employed and paid. He said the change would “help our residents avoid financial hardship and stay safe, healthy, and independent in their homes.”

Senator Lovely, joining remotely, also expressed support for family‑caregiver pay and said examples from her district showed the difference compensation can make for families that care for adult children with special needs.

Testimony emphasized that paying family caregivers can be less expensive than institutional care and can preserve continuity for people with disabilities or chronic care needs. The committee took no formal vote; sponsors and advocates were asked to provide legislative language and fiscal detail as requested.

Several other bills on the hearing agenda also touch workforce and payment issues for in‑home care; committee members signaled interest in coordinating fiscal analyses across proposals before advancing recommendations.