Insurance Guide for Family Caregivers: Honoring National Caregivers Month

National Family Caregivers Month provides an opportunity to acknowledge the vital role of family caregivers in supporting individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities and older generations. Ensuring that your family members have adequate insurance coverage can help alleviate the financial strain that can come from caregiving — improving your life and the lives of those you care for.

Keep reading to learn more about National Family Caregivers Month, its history and how you can participate.

On This Page

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  What Is National Family Caregivers Month?

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  National Family Caregivers Month History

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  How To Celebrate and Show Support for Family Caregivers

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  FAQs

What Is National Family Caregivers Month?

National Family Caregivers Month is an opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness for family caregivers nationwide. These caregivers assist and support relatives and community members who struggle or are unable to care for themselves. National Family Caregivers Month helps Americans learn more about family caregivers, their challenges in providing care and how they can advocate for stronger caregiver support.

When Is National Family Caregivers Month?

National Family Caregivers Month is celebrated each November, from Saturday, Nov. 1, to Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025.^[1] Rather than focusing on one day, Americans are encouraged to spend time throughout the month reflecting on the family caregivers in their lives — or their own role as a caregiver for a relative, friend or neighbor.

Why Is National Family Caregivers Month Important?

National Family Caregivers Month is an important time to honor and advocate for the millions of Americans who provide essential care and support to adults and children with medical conditions or disabilities. As of 2025, 63 million U.S. adults serve as family caregivers — roughly one-fourth of adults nationwide. This number has grown substantially over the last decade, reflecting a 45% increase since 2015.^[2]

Despite their dedication, many caregivers experience hardship due to their responsibilities. Nearly half report at least one negative financial impact from caregiving, such as being unable to save, taking on debt or depleting their short-term savings. These challenges can delay retirement or create financial instability.^[2]

Additionally, nearly one-fourth of caregivers struggle to maintain their own health while caring for another person.^[2]

This month serves as an opportunity to recognize the nation’s many family caregivers and the challenges they face. It also encourages advocacy for family caregiver support through tax credits, direct payment programs and partially paid leave, which can help prevent income loss while focusing on caregiving.

National Family Caregivers Month History

National Family Caregivers Month was established in 1994 by the Caregiver Action Network, formerly known as the National Family Caregivers Association, to recognize the importance of family caregiving nationwide every November. In 1997, then-President Bill Clinton officially recognized National Family Caregivers Week with a signed proclamation. Since then, the observance has expanded to a monthlong recognition and, as of 2024, has been proclaimed annually by each U.S. president.^[1]

How To Celebrate and Show Support for Family Caregivers

Below are a few ways you can honor and show appreciation for family caregivers in your life:

Provide Respite

Being a family caregiver is tireless and often ongoing work — meaning a short break can give caregivers crucial time to rest and recharge. Consider stepping in for a family caregiver periodically, whether for a day, a weekend or even a weeklong break.

Even a single day away can offer a caregiver valuable time to focus on their own needs and well-being.

Check In With Them and Offer Help

Many family caregivers may struggle with finances, health or emotional well-being — especially if they lack people willing to listen to their concerns. Taking time to listen can provide comfort and emotional release while showing that you care.

While not all family caregivers may want advice or direct assistance, it’s helpful to make specific offers — such as picking up groceries, cooking meals or taking a child to after-school activities — rather than making vague or general offers. Caregivers who feel overwhelmed or uncertain about what to ask for often appreciate clear, actionable support.

Keep Them Involved in Your Life

Becoming a family caregiver often means losing time with friends and loved ones who don’t live with the person receiving care, which can lead to feelings of isolation. About 24% of adult caregivers report feeling lonely — a factor that can directly affect their health.^[2]

Even if a family caregiver in your life is often unavailable for social activities, it can still be meaningful for them to know they have strong personal connections that support a healthier, more balanced life.

Advocate for Better Help

Many family caregivers worry about covering expenses, as time spent providing care often results in lost income. Increased support from government programs — such as tax credits and direct payments — can help ease these financial burdens.

Better training from healthcare professionals, access to respite care and emotional support services can also improve caregivers’ quality of life. Advocating for more affordable local resources and programs — such as home health aids, transportation, and meal delivery, especially in rural areas — can make a meaningful difference.

Consider Insurance Coverage

Most types of health insurance don’t directly cover family caregivers, but there are a few ways they can reduce their financial burdens:

• Medicaid: Several Medicaid programs — such as Personal Care Services (PCS) and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) — may pay family caregivers for providing care. However, the details of these programs, including payment amounts, vary by state. The care recipient must also qualify for Medicaid in their state, which usually requires having limited income or assets.^[3]
• Medicare Advantage: While family caregiving isn’t covered under Original Medicare, some Medicare Advantage plans include caregiving support. As of 2025, a pilot program for Original Medicare is expanding to offer limited assistance to unpaid family caregivers of people with dementia, including training and respite services.^[4][5]
• Long-Term Care Insurance: This type of insurance can cover certain expenses related to informal, at-home care. However, eligibility requirements and exclusions apply. Some policies may deny coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions, so purchasing a long-term care insurance policy or rider before care is needed is often necessary.^[3]