Date: March 4, 2024
Bill: HF4248 Secure Choice Retirement Program
To: Legislative Commission on Pension and Retirement
Dear Chair Her and Members of the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement,
The Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) would like to extend its support for H.F. 4248, a legislative effort led by Representative Moller. MCD has long been a proponent of initiatives that enhance the Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) feature within Minnesota’s Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers. The CDCS model empowers individuals with disabilities and their families with greater autonomy in managing their services and support, allowing for the flexible employment of staff, wage determination, and the acquisition of innovative goods and services, such as assistive technologies, in a manner that is both economical and alleviates workforce pressures.
However, the program’s existing administrative framework currently excludes the possibility for parents and spouses serving as family caregivers to accumulate Social Security benefits or qualify for unemployment benefits. This exclusion extends to their eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits and affects their Medicaid contributions upon reaching retirement, leading to financial vulnerabilities for these caregivers and deterring utilization of the CDCS option in favor of more expensive and restrictive service alternatives.
Supporting family members who care for their relatives with disabilities is crucial. It not only ensures the well-being and stability of these families but also helps address the shortage of care workers. By recognizing and supporting these caregivers, we can create a more inclusive and supportive system that benefits everyone, especially those in need of care. This approach not only acknowledges the invaluable role of family caregivers but also contributes to a more sustainable care model for our community.
Representative Moller has committed considerable effort over recent years towards devising strategies to eliminate these obstacles, and the innovative solutions presented in H.F. 4248 deserve commendation. By integrating a mechanism for family caregivers to contribute to the state’s Secure Choice retirement plan, H.F. 4248 aims to enhance the financial security and economic prosperity of parents and spouses caring for those who opt for CDCS, offering a policy-driven, cost-neutral remedy to a longstanding issue faced by numerous caregiving families.
Sincerely,
Trevor Turner
Public Policy Director
trevor.turner@state.mn.us
David Dively
Executive Director
david.dively@state.mn.us