Caregiving
Medicare will pay to train family caregivers, but few families have used it
Since 2024, Medicare can pay a parent's clinician to teach family caregivers skills like safe transfers and medication routines. In its first year and a half, claims covered only about 9,600 people, an AARP study found.
Key facts
- A 2024 Medicare benefit pays clinicians to train family caregivers.
- Claims covered only about 9,600 people in the first 18 months.
- Ask your parent's doctor, nurse or therapist if they offer it.
What happened
CNN reported on November 1, the first day of National Family Caregivers Month, that a Medicare benefit created in 2024 to train unpaid family caregivers is still little known. Under the benefit, a doctor, nurse practitioner, therapist or other qualified clinician treating a person on Medicare Part B can bill for time spent teaching a family member or friend how to help with that person's care. Training can cover everyday tasks such as helping someone move safely, managing medications or responding to dementia-related behaviors.
In the first year and a half the training was offered, Medicare paid claims that benefited about 9,600 people, according to an AARP study cited by CNN. AARP researchers found many providers were unaware of, or unfamiliar with, the billing codes needed to offer it. AARP research also shows that 40% of caregivers provide high-intensity care, such as handling medical equipment, giving injections or preparing special diets, but only about 1 in 5 has received any training.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services told CNN it has listed caregiver training in the Medicare & You handbook and other outreach and is looking for new ways to raise awareness. The story also described Minnesota's state-funded caregiver consultant program, which runs through 42 agencies and serves about 17,300 caregivers a year at no cost.
What it means for families
If you help a parent at home, you may be able to get hands-on coaching that Medicare already covers. The training is billed under your parent's Medicare, not yours, and it has to be connected to their treatment plan, so the first step is asking their own clinician. Regular Part B deductibles and coinsurance can apply.
For example: a daughter whose father is coming home after a fall can ask his physical therapist to spend part of a visit teaching her safe ways to help him stand and walk.
New Yorkers can also call NY Connects at 1-800-342-9871 to find caregiver support programs through their county office for the aging, including training and respite.
What to do this week
- At your parent's next appointment, ask whether the practice offers Medicare caregiver training services.
- Make a list of the tasks you feel least sure about, such as lifting, medications or wound care, and bring it.
- Ask your parent's Medicare plan what cost-sharing applies before the session.
- Call your county office for the aging about free caregiver classes.
Sources
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