LECOM Health has been selected by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to
participate in a new Medicare alternative payment model designed to support people living with
dementia and to assist their caregivers.
Under the CMS Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, LECOM Health
will be one of almost 400 participants building Dementia Care Programs (DCPs) across the
country; working to increase care coordination and improve access to services, including
improving respite care for people living with dementia and for their caregivers.
“CMS is excited to partner with LECOM Health under the GUIDE Model,” stated CMS
Administrator, Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “GUIDE is a new approach to how Medicare will pay
for the care of people living with dementia.”
The GUIDE Model, implemented on July 1, 2024, will test the new payment approach for key
supportive services afforded to people living with dementia to include comprehensive,
individualized assessments and care plans, care coordination, a round-the-clock interdisciplinary
care team member or help line, and certain respite services offered to support caregivers.
People with dementia and their caregivers will have the assistance and support of a Care
Navigator to assist them in accessing clinical and non-clinical services, such as meals and
transportation.
“As a leader in healthcare and elder care, we are proud to partner with CMS on the GUIDE
Model, further enhancing and expanding our dementia care services in Northwest Pennsylvania,”
affirmed John M. Ferretti, D.O., President and CEO of LECOM Health.
LECOM Health participation in the GUIDE Model will benefit those individuals living with
dementia along with their caregivers, providing access to education and training programs
highlighting best practices for caring for a loved one living with dementia. The GUIDE Model
also enables caregivers to take temporary breaks from their caregiving responsibilities. Respite
modalities are being tested under the GUIDE Model to assess the benefits to caregivers as they
continue to care for their loved ones at home, preventing or delaying the need for facility care.
GUIDE Participants represent a wide range of healthcare providers, including large academic
medical centers, small group practices, community-based organizations, health systems, hospice
agencies, and other practices.
This model underscores yet another LECOM undertaking that benefits the greater communities
served by the LECOM Health System.