Carla Romagnano juggles a full-time job with caring for her dementia-stricken mother, draining her physically, emotionally, and financially. Her mother’s long-term care insurance is almost depleted, leaving Romagnano to cover part-time caregiving and medical expenses out of pocket.

With Medicare changes in 2026, family caregivers already spending over $7,200 annually (26% of their income) face increased financial strain. Medicare Part B premiums are rising by $17.90 to $202.90 per month, with an annual deductible increase to $283 for beneficiaries.

Medicare Advantage plans are tightening access to supplemental benefits, impacting millions of caregivers. Transportation and meal benefits are being scaled back or eliminated, creating additional financial strain for families already struggling with caregiving costs.

Bureaucratic hurdles like prior authorization requirements for medical devices and procedures in six states will complicate caregiving. Caregivers must either provide services themselves or pay out of pocket, adding to the financial burden.

Community resources exist to support caregivers, including local agencies for the aging, State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, and the Medicare Rights Center’s national helpline for free assistance.

The bipartisan Credit for Caring Act could provide a federal tax credit of up to $5,000 for working family caregivers, offering significant relief if passed. The legislation has broad support from organizations like AARP and the Alzheimer’s Association but has stalled in Congress.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Idaho woman struggling to care for 83-year-old mother, and Medicare’s changes may push caregivers like her to the brink