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Vitra’s Legislative Advocacy for our Families and Communities

Fighting for Fairness in Massachusetts

And why HD.4524 could finally bring spousal caregivers the support they deserve

Every day, families across Massachusetts step up to care for loved ones at home, and Vitra Health is here to make sure they’re not doing it alone. But right now, some of the most devoted caregivers in Massachusetts are being left out.

A new bill in the State House, known as the Caregiver Spouse Bill (HD.4524), could finally change that. Filed by Rep. Adam Scanlon, it would allow these caregivers to be paid through MassHealth’s Adult Foster Care (AFC) program.

Caregivers, especially spouses, give everything to keep their loved ones safe at home, but the system gives them nothing in return. That’s not care. That’s neglect. This is why MassHealth paid caregiver legislation matters more than ever.

Learn more about our Adult Foster Care program and how it supports families statewide.

Why This MassHealth Paid Caregiver Legislation Matters

For families, caregiving is rarely a choice. It’s a promise made from love to show up no matter what. Spouses and guardians take on that promise every day, doing vital work that keeps their loved ones safe at home and connected to their community. But without financial support, these families face an added burden. They are often forced to reduce work hours or leave jobs entirely to provide care. The cost isn’t just lost income. It’s stress, burnout, and the constant weight of doing it all alone. Massachusetts needs to recognize every caregiver, no matter their relationship status.

The Heart of This Fight: HD.4524

Filed by Rep. Adam Scanlon, HD.4524 is a simple but powerful bill. It directs the state to take the steps needed to allow spouses to be paid caregivers through MassHealth’s AFC program. For many families, this would mean financial stability, relief from burnout, and recognition for the care they already provide.

Vitra is proud to stand behind this bill and the families it would support.

What Needs to Change

Several other bills are now moving through the State House that could also help fix this issue. Each one is a step toward fairness and support for family caregivers. Here’s what they propose:

  • HD.4524 (The lead bill filed by Rep. Adam Scanlon. It directs the state to take the steps needed to allow spouses to be paid through MassHealth’s AFC program)
  • H.1394 and S.886 (Would allow legally responsible family members, including spouses and guardians, to be paid caregivers through MassHealth’s AFC program)
  • S.1938 and H.3159 (Create a refundable tax credit of up to $1,500 for caregivers who spend their own money to care for an eligible family member)
  • S.914 (Offers similar tax relief for unpaid caregiving expenses)

These bills recognize what families already know: caregiving is work, and it deserves real support.

What Vitra Health Is Doing

Family caregiver advocacy

Vitra is advocating alongside Rep. Adam Scanlon, who filed HD.4524. We’re helping mobilize families, partners, and communities to demand real change. This is about more than policy. It’s about respect for the people holding families together every single day. MassHealth paid caregiver legislation is part of that change, and we won’t stop pushing for it.

Our CEO, Lorena Silva, has been a strong voice for family caregivers, meeting with lawmakers and speaking out in support of the Caregiver Spouse Bill.

How You Can Help

Change happens when people speak out. If you believe that spouses and guardians deserve the same support as other caregivers, here’s how to act:

  • Contact your legislators
    Send a message or make a quick call. Let them know why these bills matter to you.
  • Submit a testimony
    A short personal story shared during public hearings can make a powerful impression.
  • Join advocacy efforts
    Groups like AARP Massachusetts and Dignity Alliance are already involved. Partnering with them can amplify your voice.
  • Spread the word online
    Share our blog, tag your state reps, and help build awareness in your community.

You can support spouses as caregivers by contacting your representative and asking for their support. Visit the link in our bio to read the full story and learn how to take action.

This Is About Family

Every family deserves the freedom to care for loved ones without falling through the cracks. These legislative changes won’t just fix a rule, they’ll strengthen the foundation of care in our state.

Whether you’ve helped a parent, a partner, or a child, you understand the power of family care. Let’s make sure our state does too. Stand with us and demand a system that treats all caregivers with fairness and respect.

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