Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6735
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-16: 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.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-16T08:06:58Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act of 2025" (H.R. 6735) aims to improve support for family caregivers of Medicare beneficiaries by simplifying their access to personal health information through the 1-800-MEDICARE helpline. It focuses on educating beneficiaries about authorization options while emphasizing fraud protection.
Key Provisions
- Outreach and Education Requirements: The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) must conduct activities to inform Medicare beneficiaries (those entitled to Part A or enrolled in Part B, including applicants) about authorizing a family caregiver to access their personal health information via the 1-800-MEDICARE toll-free number. This requires completing a specific authorization form (CMS-10106 or successor).
- Specific Outreach Activities:
- Provide information to beneficiaries, healthcare providers, family caregivers, and other entities.
- Share best practices to prevent fraud, such as unauthorized access to health information.
- Educate on reporting suspected Medicare fraud.
- Include prominent, easy-to-understand details in Medicare notices, the Medicare.gov website, Medicare Advantage plan communications, and other platforms like social media.
- Make the authorization form available online and through targeted efforts.
- Train 1-800-MEDICARE operators to assist family caregivers effectively.
- Availability and Inclusivity: The option applies to all beneficiaries, whether in original Medicare (Parts A and B) or Medicare Advantage (Part C). Materials must be available in non-English languages and coordinated with state health insurance assistance programs and the Administration for Community Living.
- Fraud Prevention Measures: Within one year of enactment, the HHS Office of Inspector General must submit to Congress and publish best practices for protecting against fraud, including education on reporting and recommendations for faster investigations. Separate guidance for beneficiaries, caregivers, providers, and others.
- Feedback Mechanism: Opportunities (e.g., surveys) for family caregivers to share experiences with the helpline and outreach efforts.
- Definitions:
- Family caregiver: As defined in the 2017 Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage Family Caregivers Act, plus others specified by the Secretary (e.g., relatives or close friends helping with care).
- Specified family caregiver information access authorization form: The CMS-10106 form or any updated version.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill amends Section 1804 of the Social Security Act (which governs Medicare outreach and education) by adding a new subsection (e). It introduces mandatory, targeted education on caregiver access to health information via the helpline—a feature not previously emphasized—and requires new fraud best practices from the HHS Inspector General. No changes to core Medicare eligibility or benefits; focuses on informational access and protections.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases workload for HHS and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in developing outreach, training operators, coordinating with states, and ensuring multilingual materials. The Office of Inspector General gains a reporting duty, potentially improving fraud response times.
- Citizens: Beneficiaries and caregivers benefit from easier, centralized access to health information, reducing navigation barriers for family support. Enhanced fraud education may lower risks of scams targeting vulnerable seniors. No direct costs to individuals, but could indirectly save time and reduce errors in care coordination.
- International Relations: None; this is a domestic healthcare policy with no foreign implications.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Medicare Beneficiaries: Primary recipients of education on authorization and fraud protection.
- Family Caregivers: Gain simplified access to information and feedback channels; includes relatives, friends, or designated helpers.
- Healthcare Providers and Suppliers: Receive outreach on best practices and caregiver involvement.
- Government Entities: HHS, CMS, and the Office of Inspector General handle implementation; state programs and the Administration for Community Living support coordination.
- Other Entities: Advocacy groups, social media platforms (for dissemination), and fraud reporters like beneficiaries or caregivers.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens privacy protections under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which governs health information access) by requiring explicit authorization and fraud safeguards, without altering consent rules. The one-year deadline for best practices ensures timely accountability.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; aligns with federal authority over Medicare under the Social Security Act and promotes equal access without discriminating based on language or plan type.
- Political: Supports bipartisan goals of aiding family caregivers and combating Medicare fraud (estimated at billions annually). Could influence future expansions of telehealth or caregiver support in aging populations, but faces no major controversies as it builds on existing infrastructure without new spending mandates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-16: 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.
- 2025-12-16: 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.
- 2025-12-16: Introduced in House
- 2025-12-16: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act of 2025 — issued 2025-12-16 — PDF (6 pages)