Care delivered by family members in CSG’s Eastern Region worth almost $100 billion, but future is uncertain

In 2013 over eight million residents of CSG/ERC states provided billions of hours in unpaid critical health care services to family members according to an updated report by AARP. The value of that care was just under $100 billion, similar to what the region spends on Medicaid in total. Family care is expanding and becoming a vital piece of our health care system, as the job becomes more complex, costly, stressful and demanding. Most caregivers are employed, making this a business concern as much as a health system issue. The report outlines key challenges facing caregivers and policy recommendations that could help.