Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill amends Medicare law to help family caregivers access their relatives' health information more easily by expanding the 1–800–MEDICARE hotline service. Under the legislation, Medicare beneficiaries can authorize a family caregiver to retrieve their personal health information through this toll-free number by completing a simple authorization form. The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct widespread outreach and education campaigns to inform Medicare beneficiaries, healthcare providers, family caregivers, and the general public about this new option, with information provided through multiple channels including Medicare.gov, social media, and notices sent to beneficiaries. The legislation also mandates that the government develop and publicize best practices to protect beneficiaries from fraud related to unauthorized access to their health information, and requires the 1–800–MEDICARE staff to receive training on assisting family caregivers. All materials and services must be made available in non-English languages, and the bill includes no specific funding amount but directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement these requirements within one year of enactment.
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