ABC Act

This bill aims to make it easier for family caregivers to help loved ones apply for and use Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security. It tells the leaders of Medicare/Medicaid and Social Security to review their applications, forms, and communications, then simplify them so people don’t have to give the same information over and over or fill out duplicate paperwork across agencies. The review must also look at real-world fixes like shorter call wait times, clearer websites that meet accessibility rules, translation and interpretation services, better access to in-person help, and staff training on caregiver needs. Agencies must seek input from family caregivers (including those with disabilities), caregiver groups, and State Medicaid and CHIP programs during this process, then take action to improve customer service.

To ensure follow-through, the agencies must report to Congress within two years on what they found, what they’re changing, when those changes will be done, estimated yearly costs, and any laws that may need updates. They must post these reports online and provide an update two years after the first report. The Medicare/Medicaid agency must also send each state a letter within one year to encourage similar state-level reviews and share promising practices to cut red tape for caregivers.

• Who is affected: Family caregivers and people applying for or using Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security; federal and state program staff who serve them.
• What changes: Simpler forms and steps; less repeat paperwork; shorter phone waits; clearer, more accessible websites; language and accessibility support (including ASL); more timely in-person help; and better-trained staff who understand caregiver issues.
• When: Agencies conduct the review and then act; a state guidance letter goes out within one year; public reports are due within two years, with an update two years after that.