- 2,110
![fortune.com](/community/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Ffortune.com%2Fimg-assets%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F07%2FGettyImages-1190951046-e1721851690474.jpg%3Fresize%3D1200%2C600&hash=159e958b0992500a19821e5fba81f540&return_error=1)
Medicare has a new pilot program to help people with dementia. Here’s how it works
Medicare's GUIDE program is creating a system of free caregiving navigators for Medicare beneficiaries who have any stage of dementia.
GUIDE, which stands for Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience and launched July 1, 2024, is creating a system of free caregiving navigators for people in Medicare who have any stage of dementia and their family caregivers.
The navigators get 20 hours of training to help recipients sort through the confusing, sometimes maddening, system of health care and long-term care, so they receive appropriate assistance.
They meet with the Medicare beneficiary or caregiver between once a quarter and twice a month or more, depending on the complexity of the need. GUIDE participants also offer 24/7 help lines.
Medicare reimburses GUIDE participants for their services—$65 a month to $390 a month, depending on the complexity of care for the person with dementia. Medicare beneficiaries don’t have to pay a nickel.