CMS Proposed 2024 Physician Fee Schedule Introduces New Supports for Family Caregivers, Social Determinants

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has introduced novel pathways to bolster support for family caregivers aiding patients with severe illnesses. Within the agency's 2024 physician fee schedule proposed rule, several provisions focus on caregiver assistance, health equity, interdisciplinary care, and social determinants of health. CMS aims to address unmet health-related social needs that could impede medical diagnosis and treatment by proposing coding and payment for specific caregiver training services. This initiative ensures practitioners receive adequate compensation for engaging with caregivers to aid Medicare beneficiaries in adhering to their treatment plans. Annually, approximately 53 million individuals provide caregiving assistance to family members or loved ones, aiding in maintaining their health, quality of life, and independence, particularly in cases of aging, disability, or chronic health conditions. For 2024, CMS proposes payments to practitioners who train and engage caregivers in supporting patients with specific diseases or illnesses, covering services offered by physicians, non-physician practitioners, or therapists as part of personalized treatment plans.