Idaho woman struggling to care for 83-year-old mother, and Medicare's changes may push caregivers like her to the brink

Core Insights - The article highlights the struggles of caregivers in the U.S., particularly focusing on the financial and emotional burdens they face while caring for elderly family members, especially those with conditions like dementia [1][2][3]. Group 1: Caregiver Challenges - Caregivers, such as Carla Romagnano, are experiencing significant physical, emotional, and financial strain due to their dual responsibilities of work and caregiving [2][3]. - The average family caregiver spends over $7,200 annually, which constitutes 26% of their income, indicating a substantial financial burden [4][5]. Group 2: Medicare Changes - Major changes to Medicare are set to take effect in 2026, including a rise in the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B by $17.90 to $202.90, which is the second-largest dollar increase in the program's history [6][7]. - These changes are expected to exacerbate the existing financial challenges faced by caregivers, as many are already struggling to cover out-of-pocket expenses for caregiving and medical needs [4][5].