Medicare Information for Caregivers
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have been providing information regarding Medicare for a long time. Most of the information is geared toward individuals who are Medicare beneficiaries
Though this information is essential, CMS has realized the importance of providing information for caregivers. They have designed a web page for this purpose. The web page, www.medicare.gov/caregivers, discusses accurate information regarding many aspects of Medicare including what the Medicare program covers, access to services and resources to help care for a beneficiary.
Many times caregivers are family or close friends, and though they save the Medicare system over $350 billion per year (figures from 2006), they often don’t think of themselves as “official” caregivers and, until now, have not had access to information and tools specifically designed to make their caregiving easier.
The new web page will help in many ways. A caregiver’s job is exhausting. There is a lot for a caregiver to learn about benefits. A caregiver must be a staunch advocate. To help with these and other responsibilities, which can be quite overwhelming, there are direct links to other organizations who can help the 4.4 million unpaid caregivers who are simply trying to find enough information to help their loved ones.
Some sections of the page include “Navigating Medicare”, “Help with Billing” and “Care Options.” For caregivers who are overwhelmed and need help or support themselves there is a section that lists various options for help. A newsletter will come out on a bi-monthly basis starting in November of 2008.
An essential part of the goal of this web page is to lighten the load for caregivers, making it easier to care for the people they love. If you are a caregiver – paid or unpaid – take the time to check into this new web page. You may find the support you are looking for to help your loved one and yourself.
