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CMS GUIDE Model (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience)

Medicare innovation model providing comprehensive dementia care coordination, caregiver education and training, and up to $2,500/year in respite services for qualifying caregivers. Launched July 2024 for an 8-year demonstration period (Section 1115A authority). Two participation tracks: Established Program Track (July 2024) and New Program Track (July 2025). Approximately 390 participating organizations nationwide. Care recipients must be enrolled in Traditional Medicare Parts A and B (not Medicare Advantage initially). As of July 1, 2026: patients living in memory care units are not eligible for GUIDE; patients in Residential Care Communities (RCCs) may receive most GUIDE services (including caregiver education and support) but are not eligible for GUIDE Respite Services; RCCs are now a regulated Partner Organization category subject to enhanced oversight. Duplicate records medicare-guide and medicare-guide-model point to this canonical record.

Comprehensive dementia care package: (1) Care Navigator for clinical and community service coordination, (2) caregiver skills training and education, (3) up to $2,500/year in respite services — in-home, adult day, or facility-based (note: RCC residents ineligible for respite as of July 1, 2026; memory care unit residents fully ineligible as of July 1, 2026), (4) support group services, (5) ad hoc one-on-one caregiver support calls, (6) 24/7 access to clinical support. Services delivered through ~390 participating organizations in two tracks: Established Program (July 2024) and New Program (July 2025). Availability depends on local participating organizations.

Some details for this program are still being verified. Check the official source for the most current information.

Eligibility

  • Care recipient must have a qualifying disability

Services

Comprehensive dementia care package: (1) Care Navigator for clinical and community service coordination, (2) caregiver skills training and education, (3) up to $2,500/year in respite services — in-home, adult day, or facility-based (note: RCC residents ineligible for respite as of July 1, 2026; memory care unit residents fully ineligible as of July 1, 2026), (4) support group services, (5) ad hoc one-on-one caregiver support calls, (6) 24/7 access to clinical support. Services delivered through ~390 participating organizations in two tracks: Established Program (July 2024) and New Program (July 2025). Availability depends on local participating organizations.

How to apply

Apply online or find more information at the official program page.

  • medicare-guide (supersedes): Duplicate record consolidated into guide-model (canonical) 2026-06-10
  • medicare-guide-model (supersedes): Duplicate record consolidated into guide-model (canonical) 2026-06-10