Advocates Propose New Federal Support for Family Caregivers

New policy priorities aim to assist the millions of Americans balancing employment and family care duties.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Eldercare

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of house keys resting on a soft wool blanket, representing the intersection of domestic and professional responsibilities. — The National Alliance for Caregiving has proposed new federal policy recommendations to the U.S. Senate to better support millions of American workers balancing family care. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should the federal government expand Medicare and funding to support family caregivers?

The National Alliance for Caregiving has presented new policy priorities to the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging to better support family caregivers. These recommendations aim to bridge the gap for the more than 60 million Americans currently balancing employment with caregiving duties.

Why it matters

Caregivers often face significant financial strain while balancing professional and personal responsibilities, highlighting a need for updated federal support structures. These proposals seek to address these challenges as the nation considers how to better integrate family support into existing social safety nets.

The National Alliance for Caregiving presented policy priorities to the U.S. Senate based on the status of the 60 million Americans who provide family care. While current federal support via the National Family Caregiver Support Program remains at $200 million annually, legislative paths forward remain under discussion.

The players

National Alliance for Caregiving

A nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for family caregivers through research and policy initiatives.

U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging

A congressional body that conducts research and hearings on issues affecting older Americans, including healthcare and economic security.

Jason Resendez

The representative for the National Alliance for Caregiving who delivered policy testimony regarding the needs of family caregivers.

The details

The proposed policy recommendations aim to expand protections for workers who manage caregiving duties alongside full-time employment. Currently, only 13 states and Washington D.C. have established paid family and medical leave programs, with Virginia serving as the latest to implement such a policy. The initiative focuses on federal intervention to standardize these protections, moving beyond the patchwork of state-level policies.

1965: Medicare was created.
October 2026: The Senate committee held a hearing on caregiver policy.

Health Landscape

These policy proposals build upon the long-standing infrastructure provided by the National Family Caregiver Support Program. They reflect a broader shift toward recognizing the economic and health necessity of supporting family caregivers within the American healthcare system.

If you are a family caregiver, monitoring these legislative discussions can provide clarity on potential future access to paid leave or financial assistance. Discussing your caregiving responsibilities with your physician can also help identify local resources and respite care options available in your state.

The takeaway

Advocacy efforts currently focus on closing the gap between the needs of the 60 million Americans who provide care and current federal funding levels. Caregivers are encouraged to stay informed about their state's specific family leave laws while consulting with their primary care physician to document care duties and identify potential local support services.