Policy Changes Reshaping Family Caregiving

Welcome to a new, limited podcast series exploring major policy changes affecting older adults. This episode is part of our Age-Friendly Health series, which explores topics at the intersection of aging, health, health care, and health policy.

In our third and final episode for the series in 2026, host Katherine Ornstein welcomes Alison Barkoff of George Washington University to the program to discuss the rising economic and social importance of family caregiving, recent federal policy shifts affecting Medicaid and caregiver programs, and new interventions at the state and private‑sector levels.

Support for the Age-Friendly Health series is provided by The John A. Hartford Foundation.

Related Links:

• Reflections On Caregiving Policy: Progress, Challenges, And Opportunities (Health Affairs Forefront)
• History Repeats? Faced With Medicaid Cuts, States Reduced Support For Older Adults And Disabled People (Health Affairs Forefront)
• Long Term Services and Supports Initiative
• National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers
• Nation Alliance for Caregiving's Caregiver Nation Coalition

What is Health Affairs This Week?

Health Affairs This Week places listeners at the center of health policy’s proverbial water cooler. Join host Jeff Byers, editors from Health Affairs Publishing, and guests as they discuss health policy’s most pressing news and trends.