My heart is full of hope even in these divided times. Because thereβs one truth that transcends our differences: the profound human experience of caregiving.
Across America, caregiving knows no political bounds. It touches families of every background and belief, revealing our shared humanity in the daily acts of caring for those with complex needs.
National Family Caregivers Month has shown us the power of unity in action. We witnessed it at our Caregiver Nation Summit, where over 600 advocates, experts, and caregivers came together with shared purpose and determination.
While the path ahead may hold uncertainty, our momentum grows stronger. This past month has demonstrated whatβs possible when we unite around our commitment to care. The progress weβve made β which Iβm excited to share below β shows how far we can go when we work together.
At National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC), we remain focused on transforming this common ground into meaningful change β elevating caregiver voices to reshape policy, systems, and culture. Because on this common ground, we find not just our shared challenges, but our collective strength to create lasting change.
A Nation, United in Care: The 2024 Caregiver Nation Summit
For the second year, more than 600 caregiver advocates came together in-person and virtually to uplift the policy and culture change we need to truly value family caregivers.
The Summit showcased whatβs possible when leaders across the care economy unite with shared purpose. From New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to Center for Medicare and Medicaid Servicesβ Dr. Meena Seshamani and West Virgina Senator Shelley Moore Capito, their message resonated with unwavering clarity β care is our common ground. You can read about the summit here.
The momentum continued on November 21, when more than 100 advocates from 22 states took the movement directly to Capitol Hill. They werenβt just sharing stories β they were building bridges with policymakers, pressing for action on the Older Americans Act during this legislative session. This matters deeply because OAA reauthorization means continued vital support for more than 12 million older adults and their caregivers.
CMS Supports Continued Recognition of Caregivers
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) delivered a landmark advancement for caregivers in November. Their 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule, effective December 9, marks another step forward in recognizing family caregivers as essential partners in care.
This critical progress emerged from powerful collective action. NAC mobilized an unprecedented response through its Act on RAISE and Cancer Caregiving Collaborative networks, bringing together advocates and partners to champion caregiver training reimbursement during the public comment period. Their voices shaped a final rule that expands critical support for family caregiver training services through new billing codes.
For a detailed analysis of how these changes will impact caregivers and providers, see NACβs November Policy Alert, which breaks down the key provisions through the lens of our caregiving community.
Itβs Time to Talk about Transplant Caregivers
In November, NAC also released a new study, βGaps and Opportunities: Family Caregiver Programs in U.S. Transplant Centers,β examines caregiver support across 114 transplant centers nationwide. Drawing on responses from centers across the country, the research reveals opportunities to strengthen caregiver support throughout the transplant journey.
The study documents current gaps in transplant center support programs, analyzes recent reforms by HRSA and Medicare, and provides actionable recommendations for better integrating caregivers into transplant care. This research reinforces what weβve long known β supporting caregivers leads to better outcomes for patients and families alike.
Care@Work Campaign: Shining a Light on Caregiving in the Workplace
The workplace remains challenging terrain for the 32 million family caregivers balancing caregiving responsibilities with their work and careers. Opening up about caregiving needs can feel daunting, even as more leaders recognize that supporting caregivers is good for business and families alike.
Thatβs why our Care@Work Campaign is building bridges between employers and employees. Throughout November, executives and senior leaders stepped forward to share their own caregiving stories, sparking crucial conversations about creating workplaces that donβt force people to choose between their paycheck and their loved ones. Here are some of the perspectives we highlighted this month.
Recognition of National Family Caregivers Month
November brought powerful recognition of caregivers at the highest levels of government. President Bidenβs Proclamation on National Family Caregivers Month highlighted the significant progress made in supporting family caregivers. Building on this momentum, both chambers of Congress demonstrated that care transcends party lines, with the House (H.Res. 1591) and Senate (S.Res. 917) introducing bipartisan resolutions recognizing November 2024 as National Family Caregivers Month.
The National Alliance for Caregiving played a pivotal role in advancing these congressional resolutions, working closely with lawmakers and coalition partners to ensure caregiversβ contributions were acknowledged at the national level.
Giving My Thanks
We must remember: transformation doesnβt happen overnight. Every conversation, every act of advocacy, every coalition we build becomes part of the foundation for lasting change. Thank you for standing with us on this common ground. Your commitment to caregivers β this month and every month β gives me hope and determination. Together, we are creating a better future for family caregivers.
