Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act of 2025
Summary
The "Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act of 2025" aims to improve access to Medicare information for family caregivers. It amends Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct outreach and education activities. These activities will inform Medicare beneficiaries about the option to authorize family caregivers to access their health information through 1-800-MEDICARE.
Expected Effects
This act will likely increase caregiver access to beneficiary health information. It mandates the creation of a family caregiver information access authorization form. It also requires training for 1-800-MEDICARE operators and the development of best practices to prevent fraud.
Potential Benefits
- Improved access to healthcare information for family caregivers.
- Enhanced support for Medicare beneficiaries through caregiver involvement.
- Increased awareness of Medicare fraud reporting mechanisms.
- Development of best practices to protect beneficiaries from fraud.
- Opportunities for caregivers to provide feedback on the program.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Risk of unauthorized access to personal health information if security measures are insufficient.
- Possible costs associated with outreach, education, and training programs.
- Complexity for beneficiaries in understanding and utilizing the authorization process.
- Potential for inconsistent application of best practices across different providers and suppliers.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the General Welfare Clause (Preamble). It directs Congress to "promote the general Welfare". The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. The Act falls under the powers granted to Congress to regulate and provide for social welfare programs.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).