Here's a political issue that doesn't get a lot of airtime but might quietly matter in 2026: taking care of mom and dad. Unpaid family caregiving is turning into a real concern for midterm voters as families absorb mounting costs, and a new survey suggests candidates who back caregiver-friendly policies could pick up support.

Caregiver Support and Midterm Voters

An AARP survey of likely voters in 43 competitive congressional districts found that 77% of voters aged 50 and older said they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports a tax credit for unpaid family caregivers. Another 75% said they would be more likely to support candidates backing assistance for caregivers helping loved ones remain in their homes.

Fabrizio Ward and Impact Research conducted the survey for AARP from Oct. 1-5, interviewing 1,368 likely voters, including 848 aged 50 and older. The margin of error for the overall sample was 2.7 percentage points.

Caregiving Costs and Retirement Savings

The numbers behind the sentiment are hefty. About 59 million caregivers of adults provided 49.5 billion hours of care in 2024 at an average value of $20.41 per hour, according to AARP. That contribution comes with a high personal cost for many families, as caregivers often pay for care while managing their own financial needs.

An Edward Jones study found that financial caregivers of aging relatives spend an average of $8,737 annually out of pocket, putting pressure on their personal savings and careers.

The financial strain can extend across generations. A Pew Research Center survey found that 54% of Americans aged 40 to 49 had a living parent aged 65 or older and either a minor child or an adult child receiving financial support, placing them in the so-called sandwich generation.

Medicaid Changes Add Another Concern

Federal Medicaid work requirements are scheduled to begin in 2027. Under the rule, certain beneficiaries aged 19 to 64 must complete at least 80 hours per month of qualifying work, education, community service, or other approved activities to maintain eligibility. Certain caregivers are exempt, along with other groups.

The requirements could create additional administrative concerns for families navigating care and health coverage. Howard University political science professor Keesha Middlemass warned that upcoming Medicaid and Medicare cuts could have serious consequences for lower-income people and workers in the care economy, CNBC reported on Monday.

The election survey measured voters' stated preferences for candidates supporting caregiver assistance; it did not establish whether the issue will determine election outcomes.