12/12/2025
Progress for caregivers is now part of the policy framework.
The newly finalized CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule marks meaningful steps toward recognizing family caregivers as essential partners in care—thanks to the sustained advocacy of the National Alliance for Caregiving, the Caregiver Nation Coalition, and the Cancer Caregiving Collaborative.
Key advocacy wins include:
➡️ Permanent telehealth approval for Caregiver Training Services (CTS), expanding access—especially in rural and underserved communities.
➡️ Improved access to behavioral health integration services, reducing barriers to mental and behavioral health support for families.
➡️ Signals from CMS on future payment pathways for evidence-based caregiver programs and chronic disease interventions.
While this is real progress, our work continues.
We’re still advocating for clearer billing guidance, stronger reimbursement rates, and full inclusion of caregivers in future CMS rulemaking and Innovation Center models.
This milestone reflects what’s possible when we align advocacy with policy.
Grateful to all the partners, advocates, and caregivers who helped move this forward.
📄 Read our full executive summary via the link: https://bit.ly/3MyFSpN
