CMS plans outreach to family caregivers

CMS leaders have said that they're planning an effort aimed at reaching the growing number of family members and other caregivers who are not Medicare age, but may be taking care of a Medicare beneficiary. The initiative will attempt to help these people better understand how Medicare works and what programs are available to members. By doing so, they're acknowledging the reality of seniors' experience. Institute of Medicine figures suggest that 78 million Americans will be eligible for Medicare in 2011, and six out of 10 will have diabetes or other chronic health challenges that could easily call for help. More than 44 million Americans provide daily care to chronically-ill or aging friends or family, according to the AARP.

To learn more about this program:
- read this Modern Healthcare article (reg. req.)