National Family Caregivers Month: State-by-State Roadmap on Assisting Caregivers

Published in RINewsToday on November 3, 2025

Over three months ago, AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) released Caregiving in the US. 2025, warning of a major crisis facing America’s 63 million caregivers. The 133-page report, released on July 23, noted a 45% increase in the number of caregivers over the past decade and concluded that caregivers are at a “crisis point.”

The first Caregiving in the US report, released in 1997 by AARP and NAC, is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative data sources on family caregiving in America. Subsequent editions followed in 2004, 2009, 2015, 2020, and now 2025—each providing updated information on caregiver demographics and the evolving realities of caregiving in America.

A First-of-its-Kind State-by-State Data Analysis

Building on the national Caregiving in the US 2025 report, AARP and NAC recently unveiled a first-of-its-kind state-by-state caregiving data analysis. The 248-page report reveals how much local factors—down to your community or ZIP code—shape the caregiving experience, exposing deep financial and emotional challenges confronting millions of family caregivers.

Researchers found that state policy choices make a measurable difference: states offering stronger supports such as paid leave, respite care, and health system integration report far better outcomes for caregivers.

Rhode Island was among 19 states without sufficient sample sizes to support detailed analysis beyond prevalence and the estimated number of caregivers. For these states, only those metrics were included.

According to AARP and NAC, the report identifies a consistent pattern: states with the highest caregiving prevalence often have the fewest supports. Geography, policy, and community resources together determine whether families can manage care—or collapse under its weight.

The takeaway: where you live often determines whether you get relief or reach a breaking point.

With 63 million family caregivers nationwide—nearly one in four adults—the report underscores the urgent need for coordinated policy solutions at both the federal and state levels.

“Caregivers are the invisible backbone of our broken long-term care system and economy, and too many are paying the price out of their own pockets—risking financial security by taking on debt, using up savings, and leaving bills unpaid,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP’s Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer, in an Oct. 28 statement announcing the report. “This new data offers the clearest picture yet of America’s caregivers and a roadmap for the change they urgently need.”

AARP is urging Congress and state legislatures to adopt commonsense policies that help caregivers save time and money—and get the support they need.

“These state-by-state disparities expose how policy choices determine whether families thrive or collapse under caregiving responsibilities,” said Jason Resendez, President and CEO of NAC. “When financial strain hits 59% of family caregivers in Georgia compared to just 34% in Minnesota—meaning where you live can double your risk of economic hardship—it’s clear that patchwork state solutions aren’t enough.”

Rhode Island Specifics

Ahead of National Family Caregivers Month, AARP Rhode Island released its state-level caregiving data. The findings show that 23%—approximately 206,000 Rhode Island adults—provide largely unpaid care to parents, older spouses, and other loved ones. The data underscores the urgent need for legislative action to better support these caregivers.

“When a loved one needs help, family members, friends, and neighbors step up—that’s what we do,” said Catherine Taylor, AARP Rhode Island State Director. “But too often, caregivers carry this responsibility alone, putting their finances, health, and jobs at risk. As our state ages, the demand for care will only grow. With this new data and ahead of the 2026 legislative session, AARP Rhode Island is urging policymakers at every level to act now.”

AARP Rhode Island estimates that family caregivers provide $2.1 billion in unpaid care each year, enabling loved ones to remain at home and in their communities—where they want to be. Caregivers routinely handle a wide range of tasks, from bathing and meal preparation to managing medications and medical procedures, often without formal training.

Key Rhode Island caregiving statistics:

· 99% assist with instrumental activities of daily living (meal prep, administering medicine, managing finances)

· 65% assist with personal care (bathing, dressing, feeding)

· 55% perform medical or nursing tasks

· 40% provide high-intensity caregiving (many hours and complex care)

· 19% deliver at least 40 hours of care per week

The personal toll is significant:

· 80% of caregivers use their own money to meet their loved ones’ needs—averaging $7,200 annually, or 25% of their income

· 44% report financial setbacks, including debt, depleted savings, or difficulty affording food and medicine

· 70% juggle full or part-time jobs, with many reducing hours or leaving the workforce—jeopardizing their long-term financial security

A Call to Action

A dysfunctional Congress and state legislatures must directly confront the skyrocketing number of caregivers in America.

AARP and NAC along with the Alzheimer’s Association are calling on policymakers to strengthen financial supports—starting with federal legislation such as the Credit for Caring Act, which would provide a tax credit of up to $5,000 for working caregivers, and the Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act, which would expand flexible spending and health savings account uses.

States can also act by ensuring Medicaid home- and community-based care options are accessible, allowing caregivers to earn compensation, integrating caregiver recognition and training into the health care system, and adopting best practices from top-performing states.

In Rhode Island, advocacy groups including AARP, the Senior Agenda Coalition of RI (SACRI), and the Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter have made significant progress. Rhode Island’s Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI) program—now offering eight weeks of paid leave at 75% wage replacement—helps family caregivers maintain income stability while providing care.

“In continuing our ongoing advocacy on behalf of caregivers, during the 2026 Rhode Island General Assembly session SACRI will prioritize legislation introduced last year — the creation of a state caregiver tax credit and advocate for the inclusion of respite services for adults under the Medicaid program,” notes Maureen Maigret, SACRI Policy Advisor.

Maigret points out that a 2021 AARP study found the average caregiver spends $7,242 out of pocket each year caring for a loved one. “It’s a huge financial burden for many caregivers, especially as the cost of living continues to rise and 40% of caregivers report household incomes of $50,000 or less,” she says, referencing the 2021 Rhode Island Behavioral Risk Factor Survey. “A recent state survey also found that short-term respite is one of the most commonly requested services that caregivers say would help support their needs.”

“Supporting caregivers is not just compassionate—it’s smart policy. In 2024, Rhode Island spent $614 million in Medicaid costs related to dementia. By strengthening caregiver supports—like respite services, dementia-specific training, and care navigation—we can help families keep loved ones at home safely for longer and avoid more costly levels of care,” says Donna McGowan, Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter.

“Thoughtful policy and targeted funding is not only the right thing to do—it’s a wise investment in the health and future of our state,” notes McGowan.

To get a copy of Caregiving in the US 2025 go to https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/ltss/family-caregiving/caregiving-in-the-us-2025/

To get a copy of Caregiving in the US 2025: Caring Across the States, go to https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/ltss/family-caregiving/caregiving-in-the-us-2025-caring-across-states/

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To access free caregiver tools and local resource guides, visit:

· AARP Rhode Island “Guide for Caring for Older Adults in Rhode Island helps family caregivers access key programs, services, and agencies right in their community.

· AARP’s online Caregiving Hub has tools and information available in English and Spanish.

· AARP and United Way Worldwide’ s 211 program connects Rhode Island family caregivers to essential local services for themselves and their loved ones via the 211 helpline.

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Aging Groups Say 2026 Social Security COLA Falls Short of What’s Needed for Seniors

Published in RINewsToday on October 27, 2025/

On October 24, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a 2.8 percent Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase for 75 million beneficiaries, including those receiving Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.

Specifically, nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries and OASDI recipients will see a 2.8 percent COLA starting in January 2026. In contrast, SSI recipients will begin seeing their increased payments on December 31, 2025. (Note: Some individuals receive both Social Security benefits and SSI.)

According to the SSA, the average Social Security retirement benefit will increase by approximately $56 per month, bringing the average monthly check to $2,071, up from $2,015 in 2025. For married couples, the average increase will be $88, raising their monthly benefit from $3,120 in 2025 to $3,208 in 2026.

Over the past decade, the average COLA increase has been about 3.1 percent. (Note our calculations, below, which excluded the highs and lows due to COVID comes out with an average of 2.6%). For 2025, the COLA was 2.5 percent. However, in historical terms, this COLA ranks about average, coming in 29th out of the 51 COLAs announced since the government began tying COLAs to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in 1975, according to The Senior Citizens League (TSCL).

The Social Security Act mandates how the COLA is calculated, tying it to the increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The SSA’s announcement, originally scheduled for October 15, was delayed by nine days. According to the federal agency and multiple news outlets, the delay was caused by furloughed employees at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which hindered the timely release of the September CPI-W report during the federal government shutdown.

Other annual adjustments, effective each January, are based on increases in average wages. For 2026, the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security taxes (the taxable maximum) is expected to rise to $184,500 from $176,100.

“Social Security is a promise kept, and the annual cost-of-living adjustment is one way we ensure benefits reflect today’s economic realities and continue to provide a foundation of security,” said Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano in a statement announcing the 2026 COLA. “The cost-of-living adjustment is a vital part of how Social Security delivers on its mission.”

Notification of 2026 COLA Increase

The SSA will begin notifying beneficiaries about their new benefit amounts by mail in early December 2025. As in previous years, beneficiaries will receive a simplified, one-page COLA notice that uses plain language and provides details on their new benefit amount and any deductions.

Beneficiaries with a “my Social Security” account can view their COLA notices online, which is secure, easy, and faster than receiving a letter in the mail. Account holders can also set up text or email alerts for new messages, including COLA notifications. That information should be out in the first or second week of November.

To receive COLA notices online, individuals must create or sign in to their personal “my Social Security” account and opt out of paper notices by November 19, 2025. Create an account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. In addition to COLA notices, account holders can also access their Social Security card replacement request, claim status, benefits information, and SSA-1099 forms.

Information about Medicare changes for 2026 will be available at www.medicare.gov. For Medicare enrollees, 2026 premium amounts will be available via the “my Social Security” Message Center starting in late November. Those who have not opted for online notices will receive their COLA notices by mail in December.

Aging Advocacy Groups Call New COLA “Inadequate”

According to an AARP survey, conducted in Sept. 2025, even a COLA around 3% was viewed “insufficient to do the job,” says Bryan Miller, AARP Research. Only 22% of Americans age 50-plus agree that “a COLA of right around 3% for Social Security recipients is enough to keep up with rising prices,” while 77% disagree, stated, noting that this sentiment was consistent across political party affiliations, with large majorities of republicans (75%), Independents (82%) and Democrats (79%) expressing disagreement,” noted Miller in a web article published on Oct. 21, 2025.

“Nearly three-quarters (72%) of older Americans selected 5% or higher, with one quarter (25%) indicating that an 8% increase would be necessary to keep pace with rising costs. Responses to this question were consistent across political party affiliations,” adds Miller.

With the SSA’s announcement of the 2026 COLA three days later, aging advocacy groups expressed concern over the adequacy of the increase.

“Over the past year, many older Americans have been financially squeezed, and Social Security is a key to their financial stability,” said AARP Chief Executive Officer Myechia Minter-Jordan. “AARP has fought for Social Security for decades — including efforts to protect the COLA from cuts,” she said.

Nancy Altman, President of Social Security Works, echoed these concerns, noting that the COLA fails to fully address rising costs, especially healthcare. “This year, Medicare Part B premiums are projected to rise by about 11.6 percent, nearly double last year’s increase,” Altman said. “For the average beneficiary, this will consume nearly half of their COLA increase. For some, it will use up the entire COLA increase — all while the costs of other necessities, such as food and housing, continue to climb.”

Altman also pointed out that Social Security beneficiaries who are not yet eligible for Medicare and rely on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces for insurance face even steeper challenges. “Next year, ACA premiums are expected to rise sharply, with those over 50 being hit hardest.”

Max Richtman, President and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM), agreed, saying, “The 2.8% COLA will be a disappointment for many seniors struggling to cover their bills. This is the second lowest COLA since 2021 and only a slight increase from this year’s rate.” He added that the COLA doesn’t keep pace with inflation, particularly in areas where prices are rising sharply, such as medical, housing, and grocery costs.

Richtman and NCPSSM have long advocated for a more accurate COLA formula, specifically the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E), which would better reflect the spending patterns of older adults, who tend to allocate more of their income to healthcare and housing. “The CPI-W, which is used to calculate the current COLA, does not accurately capture seniors’ spending habits,” Richtman said.

“The 2026 COLA is going to hurt seniors. Year after year, they warn that Social Security’s meager increases won’t be enough, and the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that about 10 percent of retirement-age Americans live in poverty. However, our research suggests that the number may be higher. It’s about time our elected representatives show up for seniors, or else seniors won’t show up for them at the voting booth,” states TSCL’s Executive Director Shannon Benton.

Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans calls for Congress to make strengthening and expanding social Security national priority. “If billionaires and the wealthiest 1 percent pay their fair share, we can boost benefits for everyone and guarantee the program’s solvency for future generations,” he suggests.

Fixing the COLA Formula

Social Security Works, TSCL, the NCPSSM, Alliance for Retired Americans and AARP are all calling on Congress to adopt the CPI-E to calculate COLAs. The CPI-E more accurately reflects the spending habits of seniors, particularly in categories like healthcare and housing, which are weighted more heavily in the CPI-E. Adopting this index would likely result in higher COLAs for Social Security beneficiaries.

NCPSSM’s Richtman supports several pieces of legislation that would adopt the CPI-E, including bills sponsored by Senators Bernie Sanders and Mazie Hirono, and Representatives John Larson, Val Hoyle, and Jill Tokuda. “This change is long overdue,” he said. “Instead of expecting seniors to scrape by, Congress should act now to help beneficiaries better cope with rising living costs.”

The ABCs of Surviving Medicare Open Enrollment

Published in RINewsToday on October 20, 2025

It’s that time. The Medicare Open Enrollment period began last week and runs until December 7th. During this period, Rhode Island’s 243,000 Medicare beneficiaries (data from late 2024 to early 2025) are encouraged to explore their Medicare options, carefully review, compare options, and make necessary changes to their existing Medicare plan for the following year.

During the Medicare Open Enrollment period, you can join a new Medicare Advantage plan or Part D prescription drug plan, switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare (with or without a Part D plan).

You can make as many changes as you want during this period. The last change you ultimately make will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Medicare Options

According to Healthinsurance.org, an independent website that provides consumer information and education on health insurance options, here’s a snapshot of Medicare plans chosen by Rhode Island beneficiaries.

As of September 2024, 144,610 Rhode Islanders were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. These plans, offered by private health insurance companies, are alternatives to Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans cover all the healthcare benefits that Original Medicare covers (e.g., hospital services and outpatient/medical/physician services), but the out-of-pocket costs can differ significantly, as Advantage plans set their own co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles (within parameters defined by CMS).

Approximately 115,000 to 120,000 Rhode Islanders are enrolled in Original Medicare, representing about 49-51% of the state’s Medicare beneficiaries. Original Medicare, covering individuals aged 65 and older as well as certain younger people with disabilities, is a “fee-for-service” plan composed of two main parts: Part A for hospital insurance (covering inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing care, hospice care, and some home health services) and Part B for medical insurance (covering doctor visits, preventive care, and durable medical equipment). These two parts cover a wide range of medically necessary services, with beneficiaries paying a portion of costs, such as coinsurance and deductibles.

Medicare Part D is an optional prescription drug benefit offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. This benefit helps cover the cost of outpatient prescription medications. Approximately 83% of the total 243,377 beneficiaries in September 2024 have some form of prescription drug coverage through a Medicare Part D plan.

Finally, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, as of 2024, more than 50,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Rhode Island had Medigap policies. These policies are standardized supplemental insurance plans sold by private companies to cover the “gaps” in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), including deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance.

Taking a Close Look at Your Current Coverage

Even if you’re satisfied with your current coverage, the state’s Office for Healthy Aging recommends that Medicare beneficiaries closely review and compare their Medicare options to ensure their needs are met in the upcoming year. “Medicare beneficiaries will receive a lot of mail during Medicare Open Enrollment so it is very important to pay attention to any changes in the plan’s costs, including premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing amounts. Make sure your providers and pharmacies are still in the plan’s network.”

All Medicare beneficiaries (or those approaching Medicare eligibility) can receive free, unbiased counseling from State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselors. These services are voluntary and meant to help people understand the complexity of plans and make informed choices. SHIP counseling is an offered resource, not a condition of having Medicare or enrolling in a plan.

What to Bring to Your SHIP Appointment

You can enroll in Medicare plans or manage your coverage without using OHA or SHIP partners’ counseling. There is a risk of not choosing the best plan to meet your medical needs, missing savings or subsidies, and increasing stress or confusion in making the right choice.

After making an appointment, a SHIP counselor will request the beneficiary bring their Medicare card, current plan(s) cards, and a list of prescriptions and doctors to the meeting.

The OHA and its nine partners (see box below) are provided with training, certifications, and resources through the federal SHIP grant ensuring they stay up to date on what every Medicare Advantage, Traditional Medicare, and Medicare Part D plan offers.

Every October, OHA and its SHIP partners meet with presenters from Rhode Island’s Medicare Advantage plans to become aware of updates on all the 2026 plan changes.

Changes in 2026

According to AARP, expect some significant changes in 2026. The first Medicare-negotiated drug prices will go into effect for drugs like Eliquis, Jardiance, Xarelto, Januvia, Farxiga, Entresto, Enbrel, Imbruvica, Stelara, and NovoLog/Fiasp. Additionally, according to CMS, savings are expected to lower enrollees’ out-of-pocket spending by an estimated $1.5 billion next year. Finally, the new cap on annual out-of-pocket expenses for Part D drugs will increase to $2,100.

You can call 1-800-MEDICARE to make changes by phone. You can also use Medicare’s Plan Finder tool to compare plans at www.medicare.gov/plan-compare to compare options and enroll in some plans online. Alternatively, you can contact plans directly to enroll.

Find a Medicare plan

However, the Office of Healthy Aging cautions, “Unfortunately, we are still waiting for CMS to release some of the 2026 cost and premium changes, and due to the government shutdown, this may be further delayed.”

A Final Note… Beware of Scams and Fraud

Open Enrollment is also prime time for scams. Scammers who claim to represent Medicare may call asking for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank information, especially before you enroll. Medicare will never call, email, or text out of the blue to ask for personal information or payment. If you’re unsure, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE to verify.

To schedule an appointment with a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Counselor please contact one of the below agencies.

PARTNER AGENCY	LOCATION	PHONE NUMBER
Aging Well	84 Social St, Woonsocket, RI 02895	401-766-3734
Johnston Senior Center	1291 Hartford Ave, Johnston, RI 02919	401-944-3343
Westbay Community Action Agency	487 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, RI 02886	401-921-5237
South Kingstown Senior Center	25 St Dominic Rd, Wakefield, RI 02879	401-789-0268
Westerly Senior Center	39 State St, Westerly, RI 02891	401-596-2404
The Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC)	50 Valley St, Providence, RI 02909	401-462-4444
East Bay Community Action Agency	100 Bullocks Point Ave, East Providence, RI 02915	401-435-7876
Leon Mathieu Senior Center	420 Main St, Pawtucket, RI 02860	401-728-7582
Progreso Latino	626 Broad St, Central Falls, RI 02863	401-728-5920
Edward King House	35 King St, Newport, RI 02840	401-846-7426

Source: OHA, Oct. 2025

Herb Weiss

Aging Issues

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National Family Caregivers Month: State-by-State Roadmap on Assisting Caregivers

The ABCs of Surviving Medicare Open Enrollment