Bipartisan bill led by Tillis better connects caregivers to Medicare

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) recently sponsored a bipartisan bill to simplify access to Medicare information for family caregivers and to provide outreach and education to Medicare beneficiaries.

Specifically, the Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act of 2024, S. 3766, which Sen. Tillis introduced on Feb. 7 alongside original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), would amend the Social Security Act to help family caregivers use the 1-800-MEDICARE Hotline to better advocate and care for their loved ones, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.

“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,” Sen. Tillis said. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Senator Hassan to enable caregivers to better advocate for their loved ones and make it easier for caregivers to communicate with Medicare on their behalf.”

If enacted, S. 3766 also would increase outreach and education activities to protect beneficiaries and caregivers from fraudulent practices; ensure accurate information sharing to make it easier for beneficiaries and caregivers to navigate the system and stay up-to-date on fraud prevention recommendations and existing fraud reporting mechanisms; and streamline training to ensure 1-800-MEDICARE operators provide appropriate resources and information to family caregivers as required, the summary says.

“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 Sen. Hassan. “This bill is a common-sense, 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.”

Additionally, S. 3766 would direct the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Inspector General to analyze and make publicly available recommendations to better educate beneficiaries and improve timely agency investigation of fraud reports, states the summary, among other provisions.

The legislation has been endorsed by numerous entities, including AARP, the ALS Association, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, the American Heart Association, the Center for Medicare Advocacy, the National Alliance for Caregiving, and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, among others.