Senator Josean Santiago of the Partido Popular Democrático proposed distributing funds for the Department of Family's home care service among the 78 municipalities using a formula, rather than a single central contract. Santiago argued that the current system, which involves contracting a private company to recruit caregivers, has become bogged down in bureaucracy and leaves participants in uncertainty.
The senator suggested that distributing funds directly to municipalities would be more efficient, as they already have administrative structures in place and are non-profit. Santiago, a former mayor, warned that the current system could leave participants without service as early as this Friday. He also noted that the population of people 60 years or older is increasing, and urged evaluation of the proposal beyond party lines.
The Department of Family and the Office of the Elderly Ombudsman would maintain control over federal funds, supervision, and inspection under the proposed system.