North Columbus News

Reps. Mike Carey (R-OH) and Judy Chu (D-CA) joined forces with Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) to introduce the bipartisan Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act. The legislation aims to improve coordination between caregivers and Medicare beneficiaries, making it easier for caregivers to access vital health information.

Rep. Carey emphasized the importance of supporting family caregivers, stating, “By clarifying what resources are available to caregivers and training 1-800-MEDICARE operators to assist them, we can ease the burden and stress often placed on family caregivers.”

Rep. Chu echoed the sentiment, highlighting the challenges faced by caregivers and the need for accessible resources, saying, “To help caregivers save time and reduce stress while securing quality care for their loved ones, I’m joining Rep. Carey and Sens. Hassan and Tillis to introduce the bipartisan, bicameral Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act.”

Senator Tillis, speaking from personal experience, emphasized the importance of the bipartisan legislation in enabling caregivers to advocate for their loved ones effectively, stating, “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to enable caregivers to better advocate for their loved ones and make it easier for caregivers to communicate with Medicare on their behalf.”

Senator Hassan emphasized the significance of the 1-800-MEDICARE hotline for seniors and caregivers, stating, “This bill is a commonsense, 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.”

The Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act will enhance the coordination of care between caregivers and Medicare beneficiaries by publicizing resources available to family caregivers through Medicare. It also includes provisions for training 1-800-MEDICARE operators on providing appropriate information to family caregivers and ensuring information is available in non-English languages.

The bipartisan legislation has garnered support from 37 organizations, including AARP, the American Heart Association, and Paralyzed Veterans of America. Interested individuals can access a copy of the bill online.