Grandparents Day: Celebrating better health across generations

Grandparents play many important roles in their families. They bring a lifetime of wisdom and preserve traditions while offering guidance and encouragement, helping children grow and thrive. For some families, grandparents also serve as primary caregivers by managing the day-to-day responsibilities of raising grandchildren.

These families, known as “grandfamilies,” are more common than many people realize. Nearly 8 million children in the United States live in households headed by grandparents or other relatives.¹ These children and caregivers may experience greater health, social and financial challenges than other families, from accessing healthy food and affordable housing to finding regular health care and support services.

At UnitedHealthcare Community & State, we’re committed to helping all grandparents stay healthy.

With this in mind, we want to celebrate Grandparents Day on September 13 by sharing some of the ways we work to support grandparents all year long.

Curating resources for grandparents on CelebrateGrandparents.com

At CelebrateGrandparents.com, UnitedHealthcare has compiled a range of healthy living resources designed to help grandparents take care of their families — and themselves.

On the landing page, older adults and members can find resources that provide information on:

• Eating healthy and learning how to prepare nutritious meals at home
• Finding affordable food through Feeding America and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Understanding programs that may help make it easier to access free or reduced-cost services
• Staying physically active and maintaining fitness
• Prioritizing preventive care such as checkups and dental visits
• Improving social connectedness by getting involved in the community

Providing specialized guidance for grandfamilies

Millions of grandparents serve as primary caregivers for their grandchildren, often stepping into the role unexpectedly.¹ While many describe the experience as rewarding, it can also present unique emotional, financial and health-related challenges.

To help support these families, we've developed a dedicated resource called “Grandfamilies Guide to Good Health.”

• This free resource helps older adults:
• Reflect on the rewarding experience of caring for a grandchild
• Recognize the availability of low-cost or no-cost health plans
• Learn about resources to support behavioral and mental health needs
• Build meaningful connections across generations
• Save money at the grocery store while maintaining healthy eating habits
• Turn their knowledge into healthier choices

Supporting grandparent events across the country

UnitedHealthcare honors Grandparents Day each year, and in 2026 we will continue to bring communities together to “Celebrate Grandparents” through family-friendly events in cities across the United States.

With healthy snacks, fresh air and a spirit of togetherness, community members of all ages will enjoy these celebrations in cities including Albuquerque, Charlotte, Houston, Phoenix, St. Louis, Las Vegas and Philadelphia. These events create opportunities for grandparents, grandchildren and families to connect, enjoy healthy activities and celebrate the important role grandparents play in helping families thrive.

Helping grandparents understand the benefits of a Dual Special Needs plan (D-SNP)

Because grandparents who raise children may qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, we work to make them aware that they may be able to benefit from a Dual Special Needs plan (D-SNP).

Through both our Grandfamilies Guide to Good Health and CelebrateGrandparents.com, we share background information on D-SNP benefits, availability and eligibility requirements to help older adults understand how to find the right plan for them.

Learn about UnitedHealthcare’s resources for grandparents:

• Find helpful resources at CelebrateGrandparents.com
• Download our Grandfamilies Guide to Good Health