Caregiving costs are drawing attention ahead of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections. In an AARP survey of 43 competitive congressional districts, most likely voters age 50 and older said they were more likely to vote for candidates who support unpaid family caregivers.

Key Takeaways

  • Among surveyed voters age 50 and older, 77% favored candidates who advocate a caregiver tax credit.
  • Americans caring for aging relatives spend an average of $8,737 a year out of pocket, an Edward Jones study found.

Caregiving costs and the voter survey

The AARP survey found that 77% of likely voters age 50 and older would be more likely to vote for a candidate advocating a tax credit for unpaid family caregivers who help pay for a loved one’s care. Another 75% said the same about a candidate supporting unpaid caregivers who help loved ones remain at home.

Fabrizio Ward and Impact Research surveyed 1,368 likely voters age 18 and older, including 848 people age 50 and older, from October 1 to 5, 2026. The full sample had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.7 percentage points and was weighted to represent voters in the targeted districts.

The financial pressure on families

About 59 million Americans care for an adult family member, neighbor or friend, according to AARP. The Edward Jones study found that Americans caring for aging family members spend an average of $8,737 annually out of pocket, with their careers and retirement savings also affected.

The Employee Benefit Research Institute’s 2026 Retirement Confidence Survey found that 34% of caregivers reported having less than $10,000 in savings and investments, compared with 25% of non-caregivers. Debt was a problem for 69% of caregivers, versus 57% of non-caregivers. Those differences do not establish that caregiving alone caused the financial gaps.

Brittney Saunders Graves, a part-time counselor in Temple, Texas, said she spends an average of $600 a month on care for her mother, including transportation, copays and medications.

Concerns about Medicaid changes

Some Medicaid cuts under President Donald Trump’s legislation are scheduled to take effect in January 2027. Keesha Middlemass, a Howard University political science professor, said reduced government assistance could increase financial pressure on unpaid caregivers.

Paula Bussard, a Pennsylvania retiree who cares for her adult son, said she worries that fewer doctors, home health agencies and medical equipment providers will accept Medicaid. Her family already spends $5,000 to $7,000 a year on his care at home, including accommodations and supplies not covered by Medicaid.

Next milestone

The next confirmed policy milestone is January 2027, when some of the Medicaid cuts are scheduled to take effect.

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