Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act of 2024
Category:
Sub-topic:
Proposal Overview
Name: Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act of 2024
Congress: 118th
Year: 2024
Sponsor and Co-Sponsors
Sponsor:
Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC)
Co-Sponsors:
5 Bipartisan cosponsors
Companion Bill
Related Bills from Prior Congresses
None
Program Details
Overview: Improves caregiver access to information on Medicare and on the beneficiary authorization process. Amends the Social Security Act to provide for additional free outreach and education to Medicare beneficiaries and simplifies access to information for family caregivers through 1-800-MEDICARE.
Information Available
Allows beneficiaries to authorize caregivers to access personal health information. Requires fraud-prevention best practices related to caregiver access.
Mechanisms for Outreach
Outreach is conducted via 1-800-MEDICARE and relevant websites. Information must be accessible. The bill provides for education and training of 1-800-MEDICARE operators regarding relevant information for family caregivers. Coordinates outreach with the State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP).
Topics included in Training
Training focuses on helping patients, caregivers, and other entities understand how to authorize access to personal health information for family caregivers.
Eligible Family Caregivers
Family caregivers of individuals eligible for Medicare or enrolled in both Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
Evaluation and Reporting
Within one year, the Secretary of the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, will report to Congress on best practices to protect individuals from fraud resulting from access to personal health information of beneficiaries.
Financing & Implementation
Program Administration
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Revenue Source(s)
Not specified
Program Cost Estimate
Not specified