In Minnesota there are at least 500,000 family caregivers helping seniors live independently at home and out of costly institutions as long as possible. If they were replaced by hired workers, it would cost more than $8 billion per year just in our state (AARP), much of it paid by the taxpayers.  The “average” caregiver is a working woman.

Rep. Shannon Savick supports legislation that prevents employers from discriminating against those with elder care responsibilities in hiring, firing, promotion or compensation decisions. We currently have a law that protects parents from this form of discrimination, and it needs to be expanded to include elder care.

Last year Savick also coauthored  a bill (HF2241) to improve the financial security of caregiver spouses and prevent them from going bankrupt when their spouse needs expensive nursing home care. Federal law protects 401(k) retirement accounts, but Minnesota law requires liquidation of a 401(k) before a spouse can apply for Medicaid to help with nursing home expenses. This law has passed, and by January 2015 the Department of Human Services will recommend how Minnesota will comply with the federal law regarding protection of retirement assets.

A vote for Shannon Savick will protect your financial security.

 

Lenore Fries

Albert Lea