The New Freedom Initiative (NFI) Subcommittee on Caregiving presents this broadcast designed to bring awareness to the range of programs and services the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) offers that support caregivers across the lifespan. NFI is a government-wide effort to eliminate the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from participating in community life. A panel of experts will provide information about these programs to increase knowledge of partners and providers, and improve service delivery for caregiving Americans.

Panelists (In order of appearance)

Kerry Weems, Administrator Nominee for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Josefina Carbonell, Assistant Secretary for Aging for the Administration on Aging, will introduce the DHHS programs that support caregivers across the lifespan.

Margaret Giannini, MD, Director, DHHS Office on Disability, will provide an overview of the New Freedom Initiative

Gail Gibson Hunt, National Alliance for Caregiving, will set the current context for caregiving in the United States.

Rick Greene, Administration on Aging, will describe and explain the National Family Caregiver Support Program at AoA, including program background, new eligibility requirements, services provided, and how to access these services.

Susan Hill, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, will discuss the home and community based Medicaid waiver program and its impact on family caregivers.

Susie Butler, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, will review Medicare prescription drug coverage, preventive services, Medicare Advantage, and new developments in “My Health. My Medicare.”

Gary Quinn, Indian Health Service, will describe the caregiver support programs within the Indian Health System as well as programs inside and outside tribal communities.

Yvonne Jackson, Administration on Aging, will summarize the Native American Caregiver Support Program at AoA, including its mission, eligibility requirements, and services provided through the program.

Faith McCormick, Administration on Developmental Disabilities, will discuss how caregivers for persons with developmental disabilities can be supported and access available resources.

Diana Denboba, Health Resources and Services Administration, will discuss HRSA’s support for family caregivers of children with special health needs.

More Information

For participant registration, please go to: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/events/event.asp?id=378

Please see the National Caregiver Satellite Broadcast page for information on Downlink site registration and viewing, and other items. http://www.cms.hhs.gov/Partnerships/20_CaregiverBroadcast.asp

If you have any questions, please email us at caregivers@cms.hhs.gov