Caregiving Group Urges New Federal Policy Priorities

The National Alliance for Caregiving is pushing Congress to address the challenges facing millions of family caregivers.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Eldercare

Gouache-painted illustration of an empty wooden chair and a folded wool blanket, conveying the quiet reality of family caregiving. — The National Alliance for Caregiving is urging Congress to implement new federal policies to better support 60 million American family caregivers. 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 recently presented three primary legislative recommendations to the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. These proposals aim to better support the more than 60 million Americans who balance employment with the care of ill or aging family members.

Why it matters

As the number of Americans providing unpaid care grows, advocates are pushing for federal action to help caregivers remain in the workforce. The testimony emphasizes a growing tension between family responsibilities and economic participation.

Currently, over 60 million Americans provide family care, while the National Family Caregiver Support Program receives approximately $200 million in annual funding. Only 13 states and Washington D.C. have implemented paid family and medical leave programs.

The players

National Alliance for Caregiving

This is a national non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for family caregivers and improving their quality of life.

U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging

This committee is responsible for studying and reporting on the issues and opportunities facing the older population of the United States.

Jason Resendez

He is a prominent advocate and representative for the National Alliance for Caregiving who presents policy findings to federal officials.

The details

Jason Resendez delivered the policy priorities during a hearing focused on the evolving needs of the caregiving workforce. The recommendations come as states like Virginia increasingly adopt their own paid leave programs to support residents.

Medicare was established in 1965.
The Senate committee hearing on caregiver policy occurred in October 2026.

Culture Shift

This push for federal policy reflects a move toward recognizing the economic necessity of caregiving beyond the structure of the National Family Caregiver Support Program. It signals a shift away from seeing caregiving as an exclusively private burden toward a model requiring public infrastructure.

Proposed changes to federal policy could eventually alter the availability of paid leave and caregiver support services for residents in areas like Sarasota and Bradenton. These updates may directly influence the financial security and workplace flexibility for households managing eldercare.

The takeaway

Family caregivers are increasingly seeking federal intervention to bridge the gap between their home responsibilities and career longevity. Families should track potential shifts in federal aid as state-level leave programs continue to gain momentum across the country.