AARP Kansas supports the reintroduction of the Credit for Caring Act, a bill that would provide financial help to working family caregivers. Sponsored by Rep. Tracey Mann, the bill offers a tax credit of up to $5,000 to help cover caregiving costs. On average, caregivers spend over $7,200 a year, or 26% of their income, on expenses like home care aides and modifications.

In Kansas, over 340,000 people care for aging family members, allowing them to stay at home. However, caregiving can be financially difficult, as many caregivers have to reduce their work hours or quit their jobs, losing income and retirement savings. The Credit for Caring Act aims to ease these burdens by offering a tax credit for costs like home care, adult day services, and respite care.

Caregivers play a vital role in the economy by helping people avoid expensive institutional care. In Kansas, caregivers provide an estimated 320 million hours of unpaid care each year.