Survey: Americans underestimate cost of child, senior care in New York

New data found Americans underestimate costs of child and senior care in New York and nationwide.

August 18, 2026

A new survey found half of Americans think the U.S. spends as much or more on childcare as other wealthy democracies but data show the United State spends 0.3% of GDP, with most of it going to kindergarten, compared to other nations spending an average of 0.8%. (Adobe Stock)

By Edwin J. Viera

New data found Americans underestimate costs of child and senior care in New York and nationwide. The Care Disconnect survey showed most Americans do not understand how much caring for an older loved one or a child can cost the average family.

A separate AARP report found around 4 million New Yorkers provided care for an older family member valued at $58 million.

Medicare costs, senior care — Around 4 million New Yorkers provided care for an older family member, for a cost of about $58 million. (fizkes/Shutterstock)

Brigid Schulte, director of the Better Life Lab at New America, said on the polling side, there are shifts about who should be responsible for paying for care.

“There was a very overwhelming majority that said families cannot do this alone anymore and that both government and business have a role to play in helping families pay for, navigate and manage care costs throughout their lives,” Schulte explained.

Misconceptions around senior care

The survey noted people have misconceptions about how government-funded senior care works.

People think Medicare for people 65 and older covers long-term care costs, when in fact, Medicaid only does this for low-income seniors. For middle-income families, this means “spending down” until they’re poor enough to qualify for Medicaid.

Meanwhile, the survey showed a series of disconnects regarding childcare. While more than half of respondents believe everyone has an interest in strong childcare systems, 60% said they have no direct knowledge of the need or quality.

senior care — A new survey found half of Americans think the U.S. spends as much or more on childcare as other wealthy democracies but data show the United State spends 0.3% of GDP, with most of it going to kindergarten, compared to other nations spending an average of 0.8%. (Adobe Stock)

Elliot Haspel, culture of care narrative fellow for Better Life Lab, said advocates and elected officials must be more specific as they inform people about the costs.

“Being able to say childcare rivals rent and mortgage costs in most areas; something that can define the terms better so we’re not just using phrases like unaffordable or too expansive because that doesn’t actually anchor listeners,” Haspel observed.

The poll found almost half of Americans thought childcare costs fall below $10,000 but the Economic Policy Institute reported New York childcare costs more than $18,000 per year, more than the cost of in-state tuition at a four-year college.