Medicare GUIDE Program for Dementia Care
What is GUIDE?
Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) is a free Medicare program that covers the costs of dementia care navigation services for those who are eligible. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced the GUIDE Model to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and empower caregivers with support and resources. GUIDE began in July 2024 as an eight-year, nationwide pilot program.
GUIDE outlines the requirements for dementia care navigation and Medicare makes these services available at no cost for individuals who meet their eligibility criteria. Organizations throughout the country provide dementia care navigation services.
Free services provided through GUIDE
The GUIDE Model is a comprehensive and coordinated approach to dementia care, centered on the unique needs of people living with dementia and their caregivers. Each family is paired with a dedicated dementia care navigator who connects them to vital services, such as education programs and support groups, respite care, and transportation.
A clinical care team of professionals, like nurse practitioners and licensed social workers, provides additional support, including medication management and counseling. Working in close collaboration with the individual’s primary care physician and specialists, the entire care team delivers seamless, person-centered dementia care throughout their journey.
To support this unified approach, nine services must be provided as part of GUIDE:
- 24/7 access to support service
- Care coordination and transitional care management
- Caregiver education and support
- Care planning
- Comprehensive assessment and home visit
- Medication management and reconciliation
- Ongoing monitoring and support of the program
- Referral and coordination of social services and support
- Respite services
Dementia Care Navigation Service — powered by Rippl and the Alzheimer's Association
The free Dementia Care Navigation Service from Rippl and the Alzheimer’s Association is available in select states (Florida, Illinois, Missouri, Texas and Washington), with more states being added.
This service meets all GUIDE requirements, offering access to Alzheimer's Association resources and expertise, combined with personalized support from Rippl's clinical care team and a dedicated care navigator.
Eligibility for free dementia care services
Dementia care navigation services, including a care navigator and ongoing support, are available for free through the GUIDE program.
Eligibility criteria include:
- A diagnosis of Alzheimer's or another dementia
- Enrolled in Original Medicare Parts A and B
- Not enrolled in Medicare Hospice or PACE
- Not residing in a long-term nursing home
There may be other requirements. Learn more about eligibility for services under the GUIDE Model.