This bill, known as the Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act of 2025, directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement comprehensive outreach and education initiatives for Medicare beneficiaries. The primary goal is to inform beneficiaries about their option to authorize a family caregiver to access their personal health information via the 1-800-MEDICARE telephone number, using a specified authorization form. These efforts will include informing beneficiaries, providers, and caregivers about this option, as well as educating them on best practices to prevent fraud related to health information access. Information and the authorization form must be made prominently available through various channels, including Medicare notices, the Medicare.gov website, and Medicare Advantage communications, with 1-800-MEDICARE operators receiving training to assist family caregivers effectively. The legislation also requires the Office of the Inspector General to develop and publicize best practices within one year to protect beneficiaries from fraudulent access or use of their health information, including recommendations for improving fraud reporting and investigation. It ensures that all materials are available in non-English languages and provides opportunities for caregivers to offer feedback on their experiences, aiming to simplify and secure information access for those supporting Medicare beneficiaries.
This bill, known as the Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act of 2025, directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement comprehensive outreach and education initiatives for Medicare beneficiaries. The primary goal is to inform beneficiaries about their option to authorize a family caregiver to access their personal health information via the 1-800-MEDICARE telephone number, using a specified authorization form. These efforts will include informing beneficiaries, providers, and caregivers about this option, as well as educating them on best practices to prevent fraud related to health information access. Information and the authorization form must be made prominently available through various channels, including Medicare notices, the Medicare.gov website, and Medicare Advantage communications, with 1-800-MEDICARE operators receiving training to assist family caregivers effectively. The legislation also requires the Office of the Inspector General to develop and publicize best practices within one year to protect beneficiaries from fraudulent access or use of their health information, including recommendations for improving fraud reporting and investigation. It ensures that all materials are available in non-English languages and provides opportunities for caregivers to offer feedback on their experiences, aiming to simplify and secure information access for those supporting Medicare beneficiaries.