The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have selected Northwell Health to participate in a new Medicare alternative payment model designed to support people living with dementia and their caregivers.
The federal program launched July 1 and is slated to run eight years.
Under CMS’ new Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience model, Northwell will be one of almost 400 participants, but also one of 96 already established programs, building Dementia Care Programs nationwide working to increase care coordination and improve access to services and supports, including respite care, for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Northwell has had much success among its dementia patients and their caregivers.
“Northwell and its team of clinicians with expertise in memory evaluation and management are excited to be selected as an established GUIDE Model site,” said Dr. Maria Torroella Carney, division chief of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at Northwell. “It’s our hope to provide some relief and support to individuals and their loved ones throughout their journey with dementia and as they face other health issues.”
The GUIDE Model will test a new payment approach for key supportive services furnished to people living with dementia, including comprehensive, person-centered assessments and care plans; care coordination; 24/7 access to an interdisciplinary care team member or help line; and certain respite services to support caregivers.
A Care Navigator will assist and support people with dementia and their caregivers in accessing clinical and non-clinical services, such as meals and transportation, through community-based organizations.
“CMS is excited to partner with Northwell Health under the GUIDE Model,” said Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, CMS’ administrator. “GUIDE is a new approach to how Medicare will pay for the care of people living with dementia. The GUIDE participants are envisioning new ways to support not only people living with dementia, but also to reduce strain on the people who care for them, so that more Americans can remain in their homes and communities, rather than in institutions.”
