Pallitus Health Partners Selected by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to Test New Dementia Care Model

Medicare’s Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model aims to increase care coordination and support for caregivers.

(LOUISVILLE, KY) —  Today, Pallitus Health Partners, a part of Hosparus Health, announced it has been selected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in a new Medicare alternative payment model designed to support people living with dementia and their caregivers. Under CMS’ new Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, Pallitus Health Partners is one of almost 400 participants building Dementia Care Programs (DCPs) across the country, working to increase care coordination and improve access to services and supports, including respite care, for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

“CMS is excited to partner with Pallitus Health Partners under the GUIDE Model,” said 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 participants are envisioning new ways to support not only people living with dementia but also to reduce strain on the people who care for them so that more Americans can remain in their homes and communities, rather than in institutions.”

Launched on July 1, 2024, the GUIDE Model will test a new payment approach for key supportive services furnished to people living with dementia, including comprehensive, person-centered assessments and care plans; care coordination; 24/7 access to an interdisciplinary care team member or helpline; and certain respite services to support caregivers. People with dementia and their caregivers will have the assistance and support of a Care Navigator to help them access clinical and non-clinical services such as meals and transportation through community-based organizations.

“Pallitus Health Partners is incredibly excited to unveil the GUIDE Model, an initiative that embodies our dedication to providing exceptional care and support for those whose lives are impacted by dementia,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bethany Snider. “GUIDE offers a network of resources with services tailored to each person’s unique needs. This holistic program is aligned with our mission and is poised to help us improve the quality of life for even more patients and families.”

Pallitus Health Partners’ participation in the GUIDE Model will help people living with dementia, and their caregivers have access to education and support, such as training programs on best practices for caring for a loved one living with dementia. The GUIDE Model also provides respite services for certain people, enabling caregivers to take temporary breaks from their caregiving responsibilities. Respite is being tested under the GUIDE Model to assess its effect on helping caregivers 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 delivers on a promise in the Biden Administration’s Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers and aligns with the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease. For more information on CMS’ GUIDE Model, please click here.

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About Pallitus Health Partners 
Pallitus Health Partners, a part of Hosparus Health, offers comprehensive palliative care for serious illness in Kentucky and Indiana. Specialized services include chronic symptom and medication management, disease education, advance care planning, and care coordination. Pallitus Health’s interdisciplinary care team provides medical expertise and support designed to meet individual goals and offer the best possible quality of life at any stage of serious illness. In 2023, over 2,700 patients of all ages received palliative services. For more information, visit www.PallitusHealth.org or call 855-599-8954.