February 9, 2024
A bipartisan coalition of U.S. Senators and Representatives has reintroduced the Credit for Caring Act (S. 3702, H.R. 7165), a bill intended to bolster support for family caregivers nationwide. Spearheaded by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WVA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), alongside Representatives Linda Sánchez (D-CA-38) and Mike Carey (R-OH-15), this legislation targets the daunting financial challenges confronting millions of family caregivers.
Family caregivers are unsung heroes, balancing work and family responsibilities while providing essential care to their loved ones. Often, this commitment comes at a significant personal cost, both emotionally and financially. Recognizing this, the Credit for Caring Act proposes a federal tax credit of up to $5,000 for eligible working family caregivers.
Senator Bennet emphasized the critical role caregivers play in the lives of their loved ones and the need for Congress to support them financially. Senator Capito, drawing from her personal experience caring for her parents, highlighted the emotional and financial toll caregiving can take, underscoring the importance of this bill in easing caregivers’ burdens.
With over 48 million caregivers in the United States, the need for support is undeniable. The Credit for Caring Act aims to assist caregivers by covering out-of-pocket expenses such as home care, adult day care, and transportation. By providing a nonrefundable tax credit adjusted for inflation, the bill seeks to ease the financial strain on caregivers, allowing them to focus more on providing care and less on financial concerns.
The National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) supports the Credit for Caring Act and looks forward to working with partnering stakeholders on its legislative success. The bill received significant consideration in the previous Congress but did not move forward due to cost concerns.
We thank the bill’s sponsors for their advocacy on behalf of America’s overburdened caregivers and the people who rely on them.