WASHINGTON—Today, AARP applauds the introduction of the Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation that would require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to promote the 1-800-MEDICARE helpline to make it easier for family caregivers to get the information they need to help their loved ones make the most of their Medicare coverage. 

The bill was introduced in the Senate by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and in the House of Representatives by Congressman Mike Carey (R-OH-15) and Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA-28).

“America's family caregivers are holding up a broken long-term care system, and they desperately need support. Just by increasing awareness of and filling out a CMS authorization form, people with Medicare can help their family caregivers more quickly get the information they need to help ensure their loved ones receive the care they need, which could include care to help them continue to live independently in their homes. By promoting the 1-800-MEDICARE helpline, we can ensure more family caregivers are aware of this important resource to help their loved ones make the most of their Medicare,” said Nancy A. LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “We thank Senators Tillis and Hassan and Representatives Carey and Chu for leading this introduction– and urge Congress to pass this legislation in 2024 to help provide much-needed support to family caregivers.”

More than 48 million Americans are caregivers — doing everything from helping prepare meals and paying bills to assisting with medication, medical/nursing tasks, and general activities of daily living — so that their loved ones can continue to live independently in their homes instead of being forced into nursing homes. 

Specifically, the bill would help inform Medicare beneficiaries and individuals applying for benefits under Medicare Part A or enrolling under Medicare Part B about the option to fill out a form to give Medicare permission to share their personal health information with a family caregiver through 1-800-MEDICARE. This authorization form helps family caregivers when they call 1-800-MEDICARE to assist their loved one or advocate on their behalf, saving family caregivers time and making it easier for them to interact with Medicare to support and assist their loved one.   

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About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.