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The federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit level should be increased to bring beneficiaries up to the poverty level. States should supplement those benefit payments.
Federal and state governments should ensure that long-term services and supports (LTSS) programs cover services that support and supplement caregiving by relatives, friends, and neighbors.
Federal and state governments should provide tax credits, other financial assistance, or both to caregivers.
When economic conditions permit, states should accumulate budget reserves adequate to maintain services during recessions.
Deficit-reduction efforts should avoid cuts in programs that serve low- and moderate-income populations.
Federal policymakers should develop a comprehensive system for financing Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) that includes a new social insurance program to provide a basic level of LTSS.
Ideally, the federal government should finance LTSS through a universal, comprehensive, and publicly administered program such as Medicare or similar social insurance program of shared risk.
The definition of household in SNAP regulations should be clarified. It should be easier for extended families to qualify for and receive adequate benefits.