Explore Caregiving Proposals
This compendium brings together federal legislative proposals and policy ideas designed to support family caregivers across a range of needs—from financial support to workforce and system improvements.
The project team developed a taxonomy framework to analyze the identified policy proposals including specific subtopics within each category. Proposals were grouped by policy concept, not by care
recipient population.
Explore the Policy Categories
Click on a category below to see the policy topics it includes. You can explore broad areas such as financial supports, workplace supports, training and education, and caregiver programs, then narrow your focus to specific topics.
Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs
- Infrastructure
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Older Americans Act
- Respite
- Retirement/Social Security
- Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Programs
Financial Supports for Family Caregivers
- Caregiver Stipend/Voucher/Direct Pay
- Tax Benefit
- Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses
- Other
Training and Education
- Caregiver Training
- Other
Workplace Supports
- Expanded Family Medical Leave
- Protections Against Discriminations
- Retirement/Social Security
Other
- Caregiver Assessment
- Inclusion in Care Teams
- Study Commissions
- Miscellaneous
Policy and Advocacy Reports
Explore federal legislative recommendations from reports and research papers that address issues experienced by family caregivers.
How to Use the Search Tool
- Use the filters below to explore proposals by type, category, year, or topic.
- Select one or more categories to narrow the results based on your interests. A proposal may appear in more than one category when it addresses multiple areas of family caregiver support.
- Select a proposal to learn more about the policy approach.
- Explore the results. Each result includes a brief description, primary and secondary policy categories, and proposal type.
Search results will appear in the table below once you have made your selections.
Proposal Date Proposals Description Primary Category Secondary Category Proposal Type
2026 Family & Individual Needs for Disability Supports (FINDS): FINDS Community Report 2023 Proposes policy changes based on findings from a survey of family
caregivers supporting someone with intellectual and developmental
disabilities. Financial Supports for Family Caregivers Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses Policy and Advocacy Reports
2026 AARP: Respite Services: A Critical Support for Family Caregivers Policy brief explores how respite care impacts family caregivers, and
the barriers to its use. It reviews innovative federal and state programs
that provide and/or pay for respite care. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Medicare Policy and Advocacy Reports
2026 National Alliance on Caregiving: Strengthening the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers - A Medicare Policy Framework This policy brief explores a set of federal policy options to enhance
Medicare’s support for family caregivers and to improve access to
HCBS. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs, Other Medicare, Study Commissions, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses Policy and Advocacy Reports
2026 Roosevelt Institute: Direct Spending on Care Work: Thinking Beyond the Tax Code for Caregiving Infrastructure Policy report highlights the negative impacts of the current lack of
affordable, quality care choices, and limited paid family leave. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs, Financial Supports for Family Caregivers, Training and Education, Workplace Supports Caregiver Training, Expanded Family Medical Leave, Infrastructure, Medicaid, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses Policy and Advocacy Reports
2026 AARP: National Legislative Priorities Survey Summary of findings from a national poll of registered voters aged 18
and older. The survey asks about tax policies to support family
caregiving. Financial Supports for Family Caregivers Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses Policy and Advocacy Reports
2026 HSAs for Heroes Act The bill expands the flexibility of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for
veterans and caregivers during periods of qualified caregiving. Caregiving Compendium: Legislative Proposals Analyses, Financial Supports for Family Caregivers Tax Benefit Legislative Proposals
2026 Double Dependents Relief Act The bill creates a refundable tax credit equal to 30% of eligible
caregiving expenses above $2,000 up to $10,000 annually. Financial Supports for Family Caregivers Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses Legislative Proposals
2026 Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act of 2024 This bill allows unemployed or severely underemployed qualified family caregivers to make increased catch-up contributions to a retirement account. Workplace Supports Bipartisan, Retirement/Social Security Legislative Proposals
2026 VA Caregiver Continuity Act This bill protects veterans and caregivers from losing benefits due to regulatory eligibility changes. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Bipartisan, Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program Legislative Proposals
2025 Bipartisan Policy Center: The Growing Cost of Inaction: A Practical Framework for Addressing the Long-Term Care Financing Challenge This report describes long-term care financing and the challenges of
providing long-term care to our growing aging population. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Medicare Policy and Advocacy Reports
2025 The Ability Lab: Supporting America’s 53 Million Family Caregivers Policy brief provides an overview of the family caregiver experience and
the current options to support family caregivers. It includes
recommendations to expand and enhance supports for family
caregivers. Includes recommendations for Congress. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs, Financial Supports for Family Caregivers, Other, Workplace Supports Expanded Family Medical Leave, Infrastructure, Medicaid, Other, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses Policy and Advocacy Reports
2025 Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center: Beyond Tax Credits — A Path to Meaningful Paid Family Leave Policy report highlights the negative impacts of the current lack of
affordable, quality care choices, and limited paid family leave. Workplace Supports Expanded Family Medical Leave Policy and Advocacy Reports
2025 Institute for Women’s Policy Research: Promoting Access to Care: Caregiving and Families This report highlights the nationwide crisis driven by decades of
underinvestment in childcare and long-term care, leaving families
unable to afford needed services and without caregiving support. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs, Workplace Supports Expanded Family Medical Leave, Medicaid, Medicare Policy and Advocacy Reports
2025 Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act of 2025 This bill allows taxpayers to use funds from a pre-tax health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for their
parents’ long-term services and supports. Financial Supports for Family Caregivers Bipartisan, Tax Benefit Legislative Proposals
2025 Credit for Caring Act of 2025 Provides a non-refundable federal tax credit for expenses incurred by
taxpayers who are eligible caregivers for a spouse or dependent child
or relative who needs long-term care services and supports (LTSS) and
has developmental or intellectual disabilities or other chronic conditions or care needs. Financial Supports for Family Caregivers Bipartisan, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses Legislative Proposals
2025 Freedom for Families Act The bill allows tax-free distributions from health savings accounts
(HSA) during a period of qualified caregiving. It allows caregivers to
establish an HSA without enrolling in a high-deductible health plan
(HDHP). It increases HSA contribution limits. Financial Supports for Family Caregivers Tax Benefit Legislative Proposals
2025 A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a credit for adult child caregivers This bill gives a federal income tax credit for taxpayers with expenses
caring for an older adult parent or household member. Covered
expenses include medical care, adult day care, respite care, personal
care, assistive technology, home modifications, and caregiver training. Financial Supports for Family Caregivers Bipartisan, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses Legislative Proposals
2025 Transparency and Effective Accountability Measures (TEAM) Veteran Caregivers Act This bill requires the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to recognize caregivers of veterans by identifying them in the veteran’s health record. Other Inclusion in Care Teams Legislative Proposals
2025 Supporting Our Seniors Act The bill establishes a “Commission on Long-Term Care.” Members will be appointed by the President and Congress. Other Bipartisan, Study Commissions Legislative Proposals
2025 Job Protection Act This bill expands the type of employee eligible for benefits under the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993. Workplace Supports Expanded Family Medical Leave Legislative Proposals
2025 More Paid Leave for More Americans Act This bill creates a grant program for states that operate a paid family leave program and participate in the Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN). Workplace Supports Bipartisan, Expanded Family Medical Leave Legislative Proposals
2025 Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN) Act of 2025 This bill streamlines benefits and administrative practices across states for paid family and medical leave (PFML) programs. Workplace Supports Bipartisan, Expanded Family Medical Leave Legislative Proposals
2025 Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act This bill creates a monthly benefit payment as part of a family and medical leave insurance (FMLI) for employees engaged in qualified caregiving. Workplace Supports Bipartisan, Expanded Family Medical Leave Legislative Proposals
2025 Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act This bill provides services and support to family caregivers about to retire or return to work. Training and Education Bipartisan, Other Legislative Proposals
2025 Autism Family Caregivers Act of 2025 The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Caregiver Skills Training Pilot Program, awarding grants to entities that provide evidenced-based caregiver skills training to family caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders or other development disabilities. Training and Education Bipartisan, Caregiver Training Legislative Proposals
2025 Helping Heroes Act The bill creates the Veteran Family Resource Program to address social determinants of health affecting veterans and their families. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Bipartisan, Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program Legislative Proposals
2025 Green Star Families Act The bill modernizes and streamlines the application and appeals process for the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program Legislative Proposals
2025 Veterans’ Caregiver Appeals Modernization Act of 2025 The bill modernizes and streamlines the application and appeals process for the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Bipartisan, Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program Legislative Proposals
2025 Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2025 The bill establishes a grant program to help providers integrate caregiver support services within the respite care they provide to family caregivers. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Bipartisan, Respite Legislative Proposals
2025 Respite Care and Resources for Everyone (CARE) Act The bill establishes a grant program to help providers integrate caregiver support services within the respite care they provide to family caregivers. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Respite Legislative Proposals
2025 Families Care Act The bill adds peer supports as an authorized service under the National Family Caregiver Support Program. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Bipartisan, Older Americans Act Legislative Proposals
2025 Family Caregiver Peer Support Act This bill amends the Older Americans Act. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Older Americans Act Legislative Proposals
2025 Family Caregiver Research and Innovation Act This bill authorizes funding for research, evaluation, and innovation related to family caregiving under the Older Americans Act of 1965. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Older Americans Act Legislative Proposals
2025 Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to increase the number of permanent palliative care faculty at: accredited allopathic and osteopathic medical schools; nursing schools; and other programs to promote education and research in palliative care and hospice. Training and Education Bipartisan, Caregiver Training Legislative Proposals
2025 In-Home Caregiver Assessment Resources and Education (CARE) Act The bill authorizes a three-year grant program for eligible organizations offering home visiting programs for family caregivers. Training and Education Caregiver Training Legislative Proposals
2025 Strategic Plan for Aging Act This bill provides grants to States, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations to create or implement Multisector Plans for Aging and Aging with a Disability. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Older Americans Act Legislative Proposals
2025 Financial Services Improving Noble and Necessary Caregiving Experience (FINANCE) Act The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to increase the number of permanent palliative care faculty at: accredited allopathic and osteopathic medical schools; nursing schools; and other programs to promote education and research in palliative care and hospice. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Older Americans Act Legislative Proposals
2025 Convenient Care for Caregivers Act The bill establishes a pilot program through the Older Americans Act to support and improve the physical and mental health of caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Older Americans Act Legislative Proposals
2025 Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to increase the number of permanent palliative care faculty at: accredited allopathic and osteopathic medical schools; nursing schools; and other programs to promote education and research in palliative care and hospice. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Bipartisan, Medicaid, Medicare, Retirement/Social Security Legislative Proposals
2025 Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Relief Act of 2025 This bill temporarily increases the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) by 10 percentage points for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) provided during fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Medicaid Legislative Proposals
2024 AARP: Spectrum of Financial Supports for Family Caregivers Details the financial impact of caregiving. Report proposes state and
federal policies to address caregivers’ economic challenges.
Recommendations are summarized below. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs, Financial Supports for Family Caregivers, Workplace Supports Expanded Family Medical Leave, Medicare, Protections Against Discrimination, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses Policy and Advocacy Reports
2024 Oxfam: Unseen Work, Unmet Needs: Exploring the intersections of gender, race and ethnicity in unpaid care labor and paid labor in the U.S. This report explores disparities in unpaid care and the inequities in the
paid labor force. It focuses on the disproportionate challenges women
of color face in both paid and unpaid labor. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs, Financial Supports for Family Caregivers, Workplace Supports Expanded Family Medical Leave, Medicare, Other, Protections Against Discrimination, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses Policy and Advocacy Reports
2024 Caregiver Financial Relief Act This bill waives the 10% tax on early distributions from qualified
retirement plans and employer-sponsored savings plans that meet specific tax requirements, if the withdrawal is used to pay expenses for
family caregiving. Financial Supports for Family Caregivers Bipartisan, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses Legislative Proposals
2024 Americans Giving Care to Elders (AGE) Act of 2024 This bill gives a federal income tax credit for taxpayers with expenses
caring for an older adult parent or household member. Covered
expenses include medical care, adult day care, respite care, personal
care, assistive technology, home modifications, and caregiver training. Financial Supports for Family Caregivers Bipartisan, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses Legislative Proposals
2024 Catching Up Family Caregivers Act of 2024 This bill allows qualified family caregivers of any age who are temporarily underemployed or unemployed due to caregiving responsibilities to make catch-up contributions to a retirement account for up to five years. Workplace Supports Bipartisan, Retirement/Social Security Legislative Proposals
2024 Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Act of 2024 The bill amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to provide grants to eligible entities to train and support families and unpaid caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Training and Education Bipartisan, Caregiver Training Legislative Proposals
2024 Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Act The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Caregiver Skills Training Pilot Program. Training and Education Bipartisan, Caregiver Training Legislative Proposals
2024 Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act of 2024 Improves caregiver access to information on Medicare and on the beneficiary authorization process. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Bipartisan, Medicare Legislative Proposals
2024 Essential Caregivers Act of 2024 Ensure that essential caregivers of residents of Medicare and Medicaid-funded facilities maintain access to residents during designated emergency periods when visitation is otherwise restricted. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Bipartisan, Medicaid, Medicare Legislative Proposals
2023 The Commonwealth Fund, 2023: Policy Options to Support Family Caregiving for Medicare Beneficiaries at Home This report draws on caregiver surveys, focus groups, and expert interviews to illustrate the emotional, financial, and logistical burdens faced by family caregivers of Medicare beneficiaries. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs, Financial Supports for Family Caregivers Medicare, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses Policy and Advocacy Reports
2023 AARP: Valuing the Invaluable 2023 Update, Strengthening Supports for Family Caregivers Report summarizes the current issues confronting family caregivers,
attempts to “measure” the financial contribution they make, and
describes recent federal and state initiatives to better serve family
caregivers. Financial Supports for Family Caregivers, Other, Training and Education, Workplace Supports Caregiving Training, Expanded Family Medical Leave, Medicaid, Other, Protections Against Discrimination, Retirement/Social Security, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses Policy and Advocacy Reports
2023 Military and Veteran Caregiver Student Loan Relief Act of 2023 The bill provides student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program for primary family caregivers of veterans. Financial Supports for Family Caregivers Bipartisan, Other Legislative Proposals
2023 Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2023 This bill amends Title II of the Social Security Act to allow individuals who leave work to serve as caregivers to earn Social Security benefits based on what would have been their wages, for up to five years. Workplace Supports Retirement/Social Security Legislative Proposals
2023 Expanding Access to Retirement Savings for Caregivers Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) of 1986 to reduce the age for making catch-up contributions to retirement accounts for individuals who left the workforce to provide dependent care services. Workplace Supports Bipartisan, Retirement/Social Security Legislative Proposals
2023 Supporting Our Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers Act The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to set up a national technical assistance and grant program to support the direct care workforce and family caregivers. Training and Education Caregiver Training Legislative Proposals
2023 Support Our Services (S.O.S) Veterans Caregiver Act The bill modernizes and streamlines the application and appeals process for the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program Legislative Proposals
2023 Home and Community-Based (HCBS) Access Act The bill makes Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) a mandatory Medicaid benefit. It requires states to cover HCBS for individuals with functional impairment that is expected to last at least 90 days. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Medicaid Legislative Proposals
2023 Better Care Better Jobs Act* The bill makes Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) a mandatory Medicaid benefit. It requires states to cover HCBS for individuals with functional impairment that is expected to last at least 90 days. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Medicaid Legislative Proposals
2022 Administration for Community Living, 2022: National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers Federal report to Congress outlining the issues family caregivers face.
It provides recommendations for policy and program changes at the
federal, state, local, and private sector levels to better meet the needs
of family caregivers. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs, Financial Supports for Family Caregivers, Other, Workplace Supports Caregiver Assessments, Expanded Family Medical Leave, Inclusion in Care Teams, Infrastructure, Medicaid, Medicare, Miscellaneous, Older Americans Act, Retirement/Social Security, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses Policy and Advocacy Reports
2022 Protecting Family Caregivers from Discrimination Act of 2022 This bill prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants based on their family caregiving responsibilities. Workplace Supports Protections Against Discrimination Legislative Proposals
2021 Center for Health Research & Transformation, 2021: Family Caregiver Support — State and Federal Policy and Programmatic Solutions Policy brief describes trends in family caregiving and reviews six
different state and federal policy options to support family caregivers. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Expanded Family Medical Leave, Infrastructure, Retirement/Social Security Policy and Advocacy Reports
2021 Expanding Small Employer Pooling Options for Paid Family Leave Act of 2021 This bill expands the pooling options for small employers offering paid family and medical leave. Workplace Supports Expanded Family Medical Leave Legislative Proposals
2021 Care for the Veteran Caregiver Act The bill provides transitional and permanent eligibility protections for family caregivers after a veteran’s death. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Bipartisan, Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program Legislative Proposals
2019 National Women’s Law Center & Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality: A Tax Code for the Rest of Us — A Framework & Recommendations for Advancing Gender & Racial Equity Through Tax Credits Policy report documents the inequities of current tax code and direct spending programs. It highlights opportunities and challenges for advancing equity through refundable tax credits. Financial Supports for Family Caregivers Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses Policy and Advocacy Reports
2019 Supporting Family Caregivers Act of 2019 This bill amends the Older Americans Act’s National Caregiver Support Program to direct the Administration on Aging to provide technical assistance related to caregiver assessments. Other Bipartisan, Caregiver Assessments Legislative Proposals
2019 Supporting America’s Caregivers and Families Act This bill amends the Older Americans Act (OAA) to strengthen caregiver assessment practices and establish a technical assistance center. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Older Americans Act Legislative Proposals
2019 Supporting Caregivers Act This bill promotes quality and best practices to support family caregivers and older related caregivers through the Older Americans Act’s (OAA) National Caregiver Support Program. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Bipartisan, Older Americans Act Legislative Proposals
2019 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow for contributions to the Alzheimer's Research and Caregiving Trust Fund, and for other purposes. This bill creates a voluntary federal income tax write-off allowing taxpayers to contribute to a new “Alzheimer’s Research and Caregiving Trust Fund.” The Trust Fund supports caregiver services and biomedical research. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Bipartisan, Infrastructure Legislative Proposals
2017 Caregivers Access and Responsible Expansion (CARE) for All Veterans Act This bill expands eligibility for the Family Caregiver Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs to include members of the Armed Forces or veterans who are seriously injured or who became ill (or who aggravated an injury or illness) on active duty before September 11, 2001 (currently limited to service after September 11, 2001). Financial Supports for Family Caregivers Bipartisan, Caregiver Stipend/Voucher/Direct Pay Legislative Proposals
2017 Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act of 2017 This bill protects veterans and caregivers from losing benefits due to regulatory eligibility changes. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Bipartisan, Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program Legislative Proposals
2017 Support Our Military Caregivers Act This bill improves the appeals and review process for the VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP). It permits independent external review of denied caregiver applications. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Bipartisan, Infrastructure Legislative Proposals
2017 Caregiver Program Information Improvement Act of 2017 The bill requires the Department of Defense to provide information about caregiver supports to service members during pre-separation counseling. Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs Bipartisan, Infrastructure Legislative Proposals
| Proposal Date | Proposals | Description | Primary Category | Secondary Category | Proposal Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Family & Individual Needs for Disability Supports (FINDS): FINDS Community Report 2023 | Proposes policy changes based on findings from a survey of family caregivers supporting someone with intellectual and developmental disabilities. | Financial Supports for Family Caregivers | Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses | Policy and Advocacy Reports |
| 2026 | AARP: Respite Services: A Critical Support for Family Caregivers | Policy brief explores how respite care impacts family caregivers, and the barriers to its use. It reviews innovative federal and state programs that provide and/or pay for respite care. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Medicare | Policy and Advocacy Reports |
| 2026 | National Alliance on Caregiving: Strengthening the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers - A Medicare Policy Framework | This policy brief explores a set of federal policy options to enhance Medicare’s support for family caregivers and to improve access to HCBS. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs, Other | Medicare, Study Commissions, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses | Policy and Advocacy Reports |
| 2026 | Roosevelt Institute: Direct Spending on Care Work: Thinking Beyond the Tax Code for Caregiving Infrastructure | Policy report highlights the negative impacts of the current lack of affordable, quality care choices, and limited paid family leave. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs, Financial Supports for Family Caregivers, Training and Education, Workplace Supports | Caregiver Training, Expanded Family Medical Leave, Infrastructure, Medicaid, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses | Policy and Advocacy Reports |
| 2026 | AARP: National Legislative Priorities Survey | Summary of findings from a national poll of registered voters aged 18 and older. The survey asks about tax policies to support family caregiving. | Financial Supports for Family Caregivers | Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses | Policy and Advocacy Reports |
| 2026 | HSAs for Heroes Act | The bill expands the flexibility of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for veterans and caregivers during periods of qualified caregiving. | Caregiving Compendium: Legislative Proposals Analyses, Financial Supports for Family Caregivers | Tax Benefit | Legislative Proposals |
| 2026 | Double Dependents Relief Act | The bill creates a refundable tax credit equal to 30% of eligible caregiving expenses above $2,000 up to $10,000 annually. | Financial Supports for Family Caregivers | Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses | Legislative Proposals |
| 2026 | Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act of 2024 | This bill allows unemployed or severely underemployed qualified family caregivers to make increased catch-up contributions to a retirement account. | Workplace Supports | Bipartisan, Retirement/Social Security | Legislative Proposals |
| 2026 | VA Caregiver Continuity Act | This bill protects veterans and caregivers from losing benefits due to regulatory eligibility changes. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Bipartisan, Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Bipartisan Policy Center: The Growing Cost of Inaction: A Practical Framework for Addressing the Long-Term Care Financing Challenge | This report describes long-term care financing and the challenges of providing long-term care to our growing aging population. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Medicare | Policy and Advocacy Reports |
| 2025 | The Ability Lab: Supporting America’s 53 Million Family Caregivers | Policy brief provides an overview of the family caregiver experience and the current options to support family caregivers. It includes recommendations to expand and enhance supports for family caregivers. Includes recommendations for Congress. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs, Financial Supports for Family Caregivers, Other, Workplace Supports | Expanded Family Medical Leave, Infrastructure, Medicaid, Other, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses | Policy and Advocacy Reports |
| 2025 | Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center: Beyond Tax Credits — A Path to Meaningful Paid Family Leave | Policy report highlights the negative impacts of the current lack of affordable, quality care choices, and limited paid family leave. | Workplace Supports | Expanded Family Medical Leave | Policy and Advocacy Reports |
| 2025 | Institute for Women’s Policy Research: Promoting Access to Care: Caregiving and Families | This report highlights the nationwide crisis driven by decades of underinvestment in childcare and long-term care, leaving families unable to afford needed services and without caregiving support. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs, Workplace Supports | Expanded Family Medical Leave, Medicaid, Medicare | Policy and Advocacy Reports |
| 2025 | Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act of 2025 | This bill allows taxpayers to use funds from a pre-tax health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for their parents’ long-term services and supports. | Financial Supports for Family Caregivers | Bipartisan, Tax Benefit | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Credit for Caring Act of 2025 | Provides a non-refundable federal tax credit for expenses incurred by taxpayers who are eligible caregivers for a spouse or dependent child or relative who needs long-term care services and supports (LTSS) and has developmental or intellectual disabilities or other chronic conditions or care needs. | Financial Supports for Family Caregivers | Bipartisan, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Freedom for Families Act | The bill allows tax-free distributions from health savings accounts (HSA) during a period of qualified caregiving. It allows caregivers to establish an HSA without enrolling in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). It increases HSA contribution limits. | Financial Supports for Family Caregivers | Tax Benefit | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a credit for adult child caregivers | This bill gives a federal income tax credit for taxpayers with expenses caring for an older adult parent or household member. Covered expenses include medical care, adult day care, respite care, personal care, assistive technology, home modifications, and caregiver training. | Financial Supports for Family Caregivers | Bipartisan, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Transparency and Effective Accountability Measures (TEAM) Veteran Caregivers Act | This bill requires the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to recognize caregivers of veterans by identifying them in the veteran’s health record. | Other | Inclusion in Care Teams | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Supporting Our Seniors Act | The bill establishes a “Commission on Long-Term Care.” Members will be appointed by the President and Congress. | Other | Bipartisan, Study Commissions | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Job Protection Act | This bill expands the type of employee eligible for benefits under the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993. | Workplace Supports | Expanded Family Medical Leave | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | More Paid Leave for More Americans Act | This bill creates a grant program for states that operate a paid family leave program and participate in the Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN). | Workplace Supports | Bipartisan, Expanded Family Medical Leave | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN) Act of 2025 | This bill streamlines benefits and administrative practices across states for paid family and medical leave (PFML) programs. | Workplace Supports | Bipartisan, Expanded Family Medical Leave | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act | This bill creates a monthly benefit payment as part of a family and medical leave insurance (FMLI) for employees engaged in qualified caregiving. | Workplace Supports | Bipartisan, Expanded Family Medical Leave | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act | This bill provides services and support to family caregivers about to retire or return to work. | Training and Education | Bipartisan, Other | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Autism Family Caregivers Act of 2025 | The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Caregiver Skills Training Pilot Program, awarding grants to entities that provide evidenced-based caregiver skills training to family caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders or other development disabilities. | Training and Education | Bipartisan, Caregiver Training | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Helping Heroes Act | The bill creates the Veteran Family Resource Program to address social determinants of health affecting veterans and their families. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Bipartisan, Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Green Star Families Act | The bill modernizes and streamlines the application and appeals process for the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Veterans’ Caregiver Appeals Modernization Act of 2025 | The bill modernizes and streamlines the application and appeals process for the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Bipartisan, Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2025 | The bill establishes a grant program to help providers integrate caregiver support services within the respite care they provide to family caregivers. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Bipartisan, Respite | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Respite Care and Resources for Everyone (CARE) Act | The bill establishes a grant program to help providers integrate caregiver support services within the respite care they provide to family caregivers. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Respite | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Families Care Act | The bill adds peer supports as an authorized service under the National Family Caregiver Support Program. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Bipartisan, Older Americans Act | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Family Caregiver Peer Support Act | This bill amends the Older Americans Act. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Older Americans Act | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Family Caregiver Research and Innovation Act | This bill authorizes funding for research, evaluation, and innovation related to family caregiving under the Older Americans Act of 1965. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Older Americans Act | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act | The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to increase the number of permanent palliative care faculty at: accredited allopathic and osteopathic medical schools; nursing schools; and other programs to promote education and research in palliative care and hospice. | Training and Education | Bipartisan, Caregiver Training | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | In-Home Caregiver Assessment Resources and Education (CARE) Act | The bill authorizes a three-year grant program for eligible organizations offering home visiting programs for family caregivers. | Training and Education | Caregiver Training | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Strategic Plan for Aging Act | This bill provides grants to States, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations to create or implement Multisector Plans for Aging and Aging with a Disability. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Older Americans Act | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Financial Services Improving Noble and Necessary Caregiving Experience (FINANCE) Act | The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to increase the number of permanent palliative care faculty at: accredited allopathic and osteopathic medical schools; nursing schools; and other programs to promote education and research in palliative care and hospice. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Older Americans Act | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Convenient Care for Caregivers Act | The bill establishes a pilot program through the Older Americans Act to support and improve the physical and mental health of caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Older Americans Act | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act | The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to increase the number of permanent palliative care faculty at: accredited allopathic and osteopathic medical schools; nursing schools; and other programs to promote education and research in palliative care and hospice. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Bipartisan, Medicaid, Medicare, Retirement/Social Security | Legislative Proposals |
| 2025 | Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Relief Act of 2025 | This bill temporarily increases the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) by 10 percentage points for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) provided during fiscal years 2026 and 2027. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Medicaid | Legislative Proposals |
| 2024 | AARP: Spectrum of Financial Supports for Family Caregivers | Details the financial impact of caregiving. Report proposes state and federal policies to address caregivers’ economic challenges. Recommendations are summarized below. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs, Financial Supports for Family Caregivers, Workplace Supports | Expanded Family Medical Leave, Medicare, Protections Against Discrimination, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses | Policy and Advocacy Reports |
| 2024 | Oxfam: Unseen Work, Unmet Needs: Exploring the intersections of gender, race and ethnicity in unpaid care labor and paid labor in the U.S. | This report explores disparities in unpaid care and the inequities in the paid labor force. It focuses on the disproportionate challenges women of color face in both paid and unpaid labor. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs, Financial Supports for Family Caregivers, Workplace Supports | Expanded Family Medical Leave, Medicare, Other, Protections Against Discrimination, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses | Policy and Advocacy Reports |
| 2024 | Caregiver Financial Relief Act | This bill waives the 10% tax on early distributions from qualified retirement plans and employer-sponsored savings plans that meet specific tax requirements, if the withdrawal is used to pay expenses for family caregiving. | Financial Supports for Family Caregivers | Bipartisan, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses | Legislative Proposals |
| 2024 | Americans Giving Care to Elders (AGE) Act of 2024 | This bill gives a federal income tax credit for taxpayers with expenses caring for an older adult parent or household member. Covered expenses include medical care, adult day care, respite care, personal care, assistive technology, home modifications, and caregiver training. | Financial Supports for Family Caregivers | Bipartisan, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses | Legislative Proposals |
| 2024 | Catching Up Family Caregivers Act of 2024 | This bill allows qualified family caregivers of any age who are temporarily underemployed or unemployed due to caregiving responsibilities to make catch-up contributions to a retirement account for up to five years. | Workplace Supports | Bipartisan, Retirement/Social Security | Legislative Proposals |
| 2024 | Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Act of 2024 | The bill amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to provide grants to eligible entities to train and support families and unpaid caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. | Training and Education | Bipartisan, Caregiver Training | Legislative Proposals |
| 2024 | Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Act | The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Caregiver Skills Training Pilot Program. | Training and Education | Bipartisan, Caregiver Training | Legislative Proposals |
| 2024 | Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act of 2024 | Improves caregiver access to information on Medicare and on the beneficiary authorization process. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Bipartisan, Medicare | Legislative Proposals |
| 2024 | Essential Caregivers Act of 2024 | Ensure that essential caregivers of residents of Medicare and Medicaid-funded facilities maintain access to residents during designated emergency periods when visitation is otherwise restricted. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Bipartisan, Medicaid, Medicare | Legislative Proposals |
| 2023 | The Commonwealth Fund, 2023: Policy Options to Support Family Caregiving for Medicare Beneficiaries at Home | This report draws on caregiver surveys, focus groups, and expert interviews to illustrate the emotional, financial, and logistical burdens faced by family caregivers of Medicare beneficiaries. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs, Financial Supports for Family Caregivers | Medicare, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses | Policy and Advocacy Reports |
| 2023 | AARP: Valuing the Invaluable 2023 Update, Strengthening Supports for Family Caregivers | Report summarizes the current issues confronting family caregivers, attempts to “measure” the financial contribution they make, and describes recent federal and state initiatives to better serve family caregivers. | Financial Supports for Family Caregivers, Other, Training and Education, Workplace Supports | Caregiving Training, Expanded Family Medical Leave, Medicaid, Other, Protections Against Discrimination, Retirement/Social Security, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses | Policy and Advocacy Reports |
| 2023 | Military and Veteran Caregiver Student Loan Relief Act of 2023 | The bill provides student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program for primary family caregivers of veterans. | Financial Supports for Family Caregivers | Bipartisan, Other | Legislative Proposals |
| 2023 | Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2023 | This bill amends Title II of the Social Security Act to allow individuals who leave work to serve as caregivers to earn Social Security benefits based on what would have been their wages, for up to five years. | Workplace Supports | Retirement/Social Security | Legislative Proposals |
| 2023 | Expanding Access to Retirement Savings for Caregivers Act | This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) of 1986 to reduce the age for making catch-up contributions to retirement accounts for individuals who left the workforce to provide dependent care services. | Workplace Supports | Bipartisan, Retirement/Social Security | Legislative Proposals |
| 2023 | Supporting Our Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers Act | The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to set up a national technical assistance and grant program to support the direct care workforce and family caregivers. | Training and Education | Caregiver Training | Legislative Proposals |
| 2023 | Support Our Services (S.O.S) Veterans Caregiver Act | The bill modernizes and streamlines the application and appeals process for the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program | Legislative Proposals |
| 2023 | Home and Community-Based (HCBS) Access Act | The bill makes Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) a mandatory Medicaid benefit. It requires states to cover HCBS for individuals with functional impairment that is expected to last at least 90 days. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Medicaid | Legislative Proposals |
| 2023 | Better Care Better Jobs Act* | The bill makes Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) a mandatory Medicaid benefit. It requires states to cover HCBS for individuals with functional impairment that is expected to last at least 90 days. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Medicaid | Legislative Proposals |
| 2022 | Administration for Community Living, 2022: National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers | Federal report to Congress outlining the issues family caregivers face. It provides recommendations for policy and program changes at the federal, state, local, and private sector levels to better meet the needs of family caregivers. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs, Financial Supports for Family Caregivers, Other, Workplace Supports | Caregiver Assessments, Expanded Family Medical Leave, Inclusion in Care Teams, Infrastructure, Medicaid, Medicare, Miscellaneous, Older Americans Act, Retirement/Social Security, Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses | Policy and Advocacy Reports |
| 2022 | Protecting Family Caregivers from Discrimination Act of 2022 | This bill prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants based on their family caregiving responsibilities. | Workplace Supports | Protections Against Discrimination | Legislative Proposals |
| 2021 | Center for Health Research & Transformation, 2021: Family Caregiver Support — State and Federal Policy and Programmatic Solutions | Policy brief describes trends in family caregiving and reviews six different state and federal policy options to support family caregivers. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Expanded Family Medical Leave, Infrastructure, Retirement/Social Security | Policy and Advocacy Reports |
| 2021 | Expanding Small Employer Pooling Options for Paid Family Leave Act of 2021 | This bill expands the pooling options for small employers offering paid family and medical leave. | Workplace Supports | Expanded Family Medical Leave | Legislative Proposals |
| 2021 | Care for the Veteran Caregiver Act | The bill provides transitional and permanent eligibility protections for family caregivers after a veteran’s death. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Bipartisan, Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program | Legislative Proposals |
| 2019 | National Women’s Law Center & Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality: A Tax Code for the Rest of Us — A Framework & Recommendations for Advancing Gender & Racial Equity Through Tax Credits | Policy report documents the inequities of current tax code and direct spending programs. It highlights opportunities and challenges for advancing equity through refundable tax credits. | Financial Supports for Family Caregivers | Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses | Policy and Advocacy Reports |
| 2019 | Supporting Family Caregivers Act of 2019 | This bill amends the Older Americans Act’s National Caregiver Support Program to direct the Administration on Aging to provide technical assistance related to caregiver assessments. | Other | Bipartisan, Caregiver Assessments | Legislative Proposals |
| 2019 | Supporting America’s Caregivers and Families Act | This bill amends the Older Americans Act (OAA) to strengthen caregiver assessment practices and establish a technical assistance center. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Older Americans Act | Legislative Proposals |
| 2019 | Supporting Caregivers Act | This bill promotes quality and best practices to support family caregivers and older related caregivers through the Older Americans Act’s (OAA) National Caregiver Support Program. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Bipartisan, Older Americans Act | Legislative Proposals |
| 2019 | To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow for contributions to the Alzheimer's Research and Caregiving Trust Fund, and for other purposes. | This bill creates a voluntary federal income tax write-off allowing taxpayers to contribute to a new “Alzheimer’s Research and Caregiving Trust Fund.” The Trust Fund supports caregiver services and biomedical research. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Bipartisan, Infrastructure | Legislative Proposals |
| 2017 | Caregivers Access and Responsible Expansion (CARE) for All Veterans Act | This bill expands eligibility for the Family Caregiver Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs to include members of the Armed Forces or veterans who are seriously injured or who became ill (or who aggravated an injury or illness) on active duty before September 11, 2001 (currently limited to service after September 11, 2001). | Financial Supports for Family Caregivers | Bipartisan, Caregiver Stipend/Voucher/Direct Pay | Legislative Proposals |
| 2017 | Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act of 2017 | This bill protects veterans and caregivers from losing benefits due to regulatory eligibility changes. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Bipartisan, Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program | Legislative Proposals |
| 2017 | Support Our Military Caregivers Act | This bill improves the appeals and review process for the VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP). It permits independent external review of denied caregiver applications. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Bipartisan, Infrastructure | Legislative Proposals |
| 2017 | Caregiver Program Information Improvement Act of 2017 | The bill requires the Department of Defense to provide information about caregiver supports to service members during pre-separation counseling. | Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs | Bipartisan, Infrastructure | Legislative Proposals |