ABC Act

This legislation, known as the "Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act" or "ABC Act," requires the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Commissioner of Social Security (SSA) to jointly conduct a comprehensive review of their respective programs. The primary objective is to simplify and streamline the processes, procedures, forms, and communications that family caregivers navigate when assisting individuals with eligibility, enrollment, maintenance, and utilization of benefits under Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs . This includes reducing instances where caregivers must provide redundant information or complete multiple documents for the same or similar data. The review aims to significantly improve communication between family caregivers and covered agencies by decreasing call wait times, ensuring timely answers, and enhancing program websites for easier information access, including ADA compliance. It also mandates providing translation, interpretation, and accessible formats for information, and fostering better relationships through regular meetings with stakeholders. Following the review, officials must take action to implement identified improvements and submit detailed reports to Congress within two years, outlining issues, planned actions, estimated costs, and any recommended legislative changes. CMS is also directed to encourage State Medicaid and CHIP programs to conduct similar reviews and adopt best practices to support family caregivers.