Washington, DC – Today, Reps. Mike Carey (R-OH) and Judy Chu (D-CA) unveiled bipartisan, bicameral legislation to assist family caregivers alongside Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH). The Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act aims to improve coordination between caregivers and Medicare beneficiaries and make it easier for caregivers to access pertinent health information.
“By clarifying what resources are available to caregivers and training 1-800-MEDICARE operators to assist them, we can ease the burden and stress often placed on family caregivers,” said Rep. Carey. “Family caregivers have sacrificed so much to be there for loved ones in need. It’s time Congress shows its support.”
“The burdens of being a caregiver while trying to balance other family, job, and personal responsibilities are immense, and the added challenges of navigating care through different providers, community services, and government agencies make the role even more difficult,” said Rep. Chu. “To help caregivers save time and reduce stress while securing quality care for their loved ones, I’m joining Rep. Carey and Sens. Hassan and Tillis to introduce the bipartisan, bicameral Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act. With this legislation in place, we would ensure that resources for caregivers through Medicare are easily accessible and made available in non-English languages—removing unnecessary burdens and providing caregivers the support they deserve.”
“Caregivers carry a tremendous burden while caring for loved ones, and I know first-hand that caregivers too often face unnecessary barriers when trying to coordinate care,” said Senator Tillis. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to enable caregivers to better advocate for their loved ones and make it easier for caregivers to communicate with Medicare on their behalf.”
“The 1-800-MEDICARE hotline is a vitally important resource for seniors and caregivers to get information about care options, medical expenses, and more,” said Senator Hassan. “This bill is a commonsense, bipartisan measure to ensure that the hotline is providing the best and most efficient support possible for seniors and their family caregivers through increased education, training, outreach, and opportunities for feedback.”
The bipartisan Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act aims to improve the coordination of care between caregivers and Medicare beneficiaries. It will publicize resources Medicare has for family caregivers, including the voluntary option allowing Medicare beneficiaries to allow family caregivers to access their health information through 1-800-MEDICARE.
The legislation also requires Medicare to train 1-800-MEDICARE operators on how to properly provide family caregivers with all the appropriate information. It further requires that information be provided in non-English languages.
The Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act is endorsed by 37 organizations, including AARP, the American Heart Association, and Paralyzed Veterans of America, among others. A copy of the bill can be found here.