The GUIDE Program has a few specific eligibility requirements. Here's what your loved one needs to qualify.
Your loved one must:
Be enrolled in traditional Medicare (also called Original Medicare or Fee-for-Service)
Have a confirmed dementia diagnosis (all stages qualify)
Live in the community — not in a nursing home or long-term care facility
Not be enrolled in hospice care
Have an informal caregiver — a family member, friend, or neighbor who helps with their care
If your loved one meets all five, they're likely eligible.
What if my loved one is on Medicare Advantage?
GUIDE eligibility requires Original Medicare. If your loved one has a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, where a private insurer like Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, or Kaiser handles their medical and drug coverage, they're not able to participate.
Not sure which plan they have? Their Medicare card or plan documents will say. If you're still unsure, contact us and we'll help you figure it out.
How do I know if the diagnosis qualifies?
Any confirmed dementia diagnosis qualifies, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and others. The diagnosis must be documented by a physician. If you're not sure, our team can help you figure that out.
How do I check eligibility?
Complete our simple eligibility check at trytendercare.com/guide. It takes just a few minutes. If you're not sure about any of the requirements, our team will help you find out.