To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for outreach and education to Medicare beneficiaries to simplify access to information for family caregivers through 1–800–MEDICARE, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · February 7, 2024
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
This bill establishes an outreach and education program to help Medicare beneficiaries and their family caregivers access health information through the existing 1-800-MEDICARE phone line. The legislation requires the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to inform Medicare patients about their option to authorize family caregivers to retrieve their personal health information by completing a specific authorization form. The bill mandates widespread outreach efforts through multiple channels including Medicare.gov, social media, and direct notices to patients, providers, and caregivers, with materials provided in non-English languages. The legislation also requires the Office of the Inspector General to develop fraud prevention best practices within one year and ensure operators of the 1-800-MEDICARE line receive proper training to assist caregivers. This bill aims to make it easier for family members to help manage the healthcare information of elderly or disabled relatives while protecting beneficiaries from fraud and unauthorized access.
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