CARES Hotline Act

National caregiver support hotline

If enacted, this bill would create a national, toll-free hotline caregivers would be able to call or text 24/7. The hotline would offer emotional support, brief interventions, crisis referrals, and connections to local, state, and federal services. Staff would include trained professionals and peer supporters. Staff would receive standardized training in caregiver support, crisis response, and culturally and linguistically appropriate services. The Secretary would run the hotline directly or by grant or contract with eligible national nonprofits and would prioritize those partnered with community organizations. The Secretary would consult the RAiSE Family Caregivers Act Advisory Council and maintain a national database and public website. The bill would authorize $10,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2032 and require annual reports to Congress starting within one year after enactment.