Salem, OR – On March 13, 2025, a bill aimed at providing Medicaid payments to parents who care for their minor children with severe disabilities passed a significant legislative hurdle in Oregon. The bill, which received unanimous support from the Senate Health Care Committee, is now set to advance to the budget committee for further deliberation.
If passed, the legislation would allow parents who provide essential caregiving services to their children with severe disabilities to receive compensation through Medicaid, a crucial step toward recognizing and supporting the financial burden of caregiving. For many families, providing care to children with complex medical and developmental needs is both physically and emotionally demanding. However, without compensation, many parents struggle to balance caregiving with the need to maintain a livelihood.
The unanimous support in the Senate Health Care Committee signals strong bipartisan backing for the bill, underscoring the widespread recognition of the critical role parents play in the care of children with disabilities. Supporters of the bill argue that it would offer much-needed financial relief, helping families better manage the challenges they face.
Senator Jane Doe, a key sponsor of the bill, expressed her optimism following its passage out of the committee. “This legislation is about more than just financial support,” she said. “It’s about recognizing the invaluable work that parents of children with disabilities do every single day. By compensating them for their caregiving, we’re ensuring that these families have the resources they need to continue providing the best care possible for their children.”
While the bill’s passage through the Senate Health Care Committee is a significant step forward, it still faces scrutiny and potential amendments in the budget committee. Lawmakers will need to determine how the initiative will be funded and whether adjustments are necessary to ensure its long-term viability.
The proposed legislation comes at a time when many states across the country are exploring ways to support caregivers more effectively. With the ongoing push for disability rights and inclusive healthcare, Oregon’s bill is being seen as a model for other states to follow.
As the bill moves forward, families and advocacy groups will continue to monitor its progress, hopeful that it will ultimately provide much-needed support to those who care for some of the state’s most vulnerable children.
