Reconsider eligibility requirements for caregiver support programs

Eligibility for most caregiver support programs is determined by one of two factors: the age of the care recipient (most target people age 60 or older) and the relationship of the caregiver to the care recipient (most are limited to immediate family). But more than 80 percent of those who served in the military after September 11, 2001, are under age 60, making their caregivers ineligible for benefits such as the National Caregiver Family Support Program and Medicaid Home- and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers in certain states.

In addition, nearly one-third of these post-9/11 care recipients are cared for by extended family and friends, and these caregivers are ineligible for programs that are restricted to immediate family (such as the VA Caregiver Support Program). Enacting legislation to expand eligibility for these programs to include military caregivers may help fill gaps in access to support.