policy issues

Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the more than 105 million family caregivers across the country. Our legislative and public policy priorities focus on removing barriers, increasing access, and enhancing support for family caregivers so they can provide the best care possible for their loved ones.

Healthcare Access and Affordability

Caregiver Inclusion and Support

caregiver inclusion and support
caregiver inclusion and support
caregiver inclusion and support

Medication Policy and Patient Protection

Long-Term and Institutional Care

Financial Relief for Family Caregivers

financial relief for family caregivers

Support for Diverse Caregiving Communities

BIPOC caregiver

Enacted Laws Supporting Caregivers

  • Congress: 118th Congress (2023–2024)
  • Status: Signed into law on January 2, 2025
  • What it does: This law expands support for veterans and their caregivers by:
    • Allowing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to fund in-home care at the same rate as nursing home care, making it easier for veterans to receive care at home.
    • Launching a pilot program to provide home health aides in areas with shortages.
    • Enhancing mental health services and support for family caregivers.
    • Requiring the VA to create a centralized website to help veterans and caregivers access home and community-based services.
    • Ensuring home care options are available for Native American veterans
  • Link to this legislation
  • Congress: 115th Congress (2017–2018)
  • What it does: Created a national plan to support family caregivers with training, workplace flexibility, and respite care.
  • Status: Signed into law on January 22, 2018.
  • Link to this legislation
  • Congress: 115th Congress (2017–2018)
  • What it does: Helps grandparents raising grandchildren by connecting them with services and creating a federal advisory council.
  • Status: Signed into law on July 7, 2018.
  • Link to this legislation

Proposed Legislation Affecting Caregivers

  • Congress: 119th Congress (2025–2026)
  • What it does: Offers up to a $5,000 tax credit to eligible family caregivers to offset care-related expenses like home care, respite, and equipment.
  • Status: Introduced in House and Senate on March 11, 2025; referred to committees.
  • Link to this legislation
  • Congress: 118th Congress (2023–2024)
  • What it does: Expands the National Family Caregiver Support Program to offer more training, flexible services, and improved access to respite care.
  • Status: Introduced; pending committee action.
  • Link to this legislation
  • Congress: 117th Congress (2021–2022)
  • What it does: Expands eligibility for unpaid leave under the FMLA to more caregivers, including part-time and small business employees.
  • Status: Introduced in April 2021; referred to committee.
  • Link to this legislation
  • Congress: 119th Congress (2025–2026)
  • What it does: Aims to improve Medicare access for seriously ill seniors, which may reduce caregiver strain by improving care coordination.
  • Status: Introduced in House on March 6, 2025; referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
  • Link to this legislation
  • Congress: 119th Congress (2025–2026)
  • What it does: Helps caregivers interact with Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security more easily by improving information sharing and simplifying systems.
  • Status: Introduced March 31, 2025; referred to multiple committees.
  • Link to this legislation
  • Congress: 119th Congress (2025–2026)
  • What it does: Expands the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, especially for veterans with mental health or neurological conditions.
  • Status: Introduced January 28, 2025; referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
  • Link to this legislation
  • Status: Introduced
  • What it does: Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to formally recognize caregivers by including them in veterans’ health records, ensures standardized notifications about changes in caregiver program eligibility, and provides a 90-day extension of benefits when a veteran is deemed ineligible—unless specific exceptions apply.
  • Link to this legislation
  • Congress: 119th Congress (2025–2026)
  • Status: Introduced
  • What it does: Aims to reduce financial burdens on caregivers, potentially through tax relief or other cost-saving measures. Specific details are pending as the summary is not yet available.
  • Link to this legislation
  • Congress: 119th Congress (2025–2026)
  • Status: Introduced
  • What it does: Expands benefits for family caregivers of veterans, including extended medical coverage after their designation ends, and introduces programs to support their employment and retirement needs.
  • Link to this legislation
  • Congress: 119th Congress (2025–2026)
  • Status: Introduced
  • What it does: The Senate version of H.R.2148, focusing on enhancing medical, employment, and retirement benefits for caregivers of veterans.
  • Link to this legislation
  • Congress: 119th Congress (2025–2026)
  • Status: Introduced
  • What it does: Proposes amendments to the Older Americans Act to include peer support as a service within the National Family Caregiver Support Program, aiming to provide additional resources for caregivers.
  • Link to this legislation

Advocacy Statements

Caregiver Action Network’s official positions on legislation, regulatory actions, and advocacy efforts that impact caregivers across the country. Whether we’re amplifying caregiver voices through coalition efforts or issuing independent statements, these statements reflect our ongoing commitment to advancing policies that support and strengthen America’s family caregivers.