Elder care costs are outpacing inflation. Americans want a lifeline.

Rising Elder Care Costs: The cost of at-home care for elderly and ill people has increased by 8.7% in the past year, outpacing overall inflation, which is impacting millions of unpaid family caregivers.

Vice President Harris' Proposal: Harris has introduced a proposal to have Medicare cover at-home caregiving costs, a lifeline for many families struggling with steep out-of-pocket expenses. The plan is estimated to cost around $40 billion annually.

Financial Strain on Caregivers: Many caregivers, like Sharon Zimmer, face significant financial hardships, with some having to quit their jobs and deplete savings. The average annual out-of-pocket cost for caregivers is $7,200, but many face even higher costs.

Disparities in Caregiving: Women, people of color, and younger caregivers (ages 18-34) are disproportionately affected by caregiving costs, often spending a significant portion of their income on these expenses.

Legislative Solutions: While Harris and Trump have discussed addressing elder care, bipartisan efforts like a proposed caregiver tax credit of up to $5,000 have yet to make it through Congress. AARP continues to advocate for financial relief for caregivers.