Quick answers to the most common questions families ask about the Medicare GUIDE Program.

No. The GUIDE Program is free for eligible Medicare beneficiaries and their families. There's no premium, no co-pay, and no out-of-pocket cost. The $2,625 in annual respite funding is in addition to your regular Medicare benefits.

Respite care is temporary relief for the primary caregiver, a break so you can rest, recharge, or handle other responsibilities. The GUIDE Program provides up to $2,625 per year to cover the cost of respite care, which can be used for in-home care or facility-based services.

You'll be matched with a provider that the program pays directly. You don't pay out of pocket, and you don't wait to get money back. As you use respite care through the year, the program covers it as you go, up to $2,625 total for that benefit year. No forms to submit, no reimbursement paperwork.

Respite is available based on the progression and severity of the dementia diagnosis. Your Care Navigator will confirm whether respite is part of your benefit, and how much, after your assessment.

The GUIDE Program is currently available to people enrolled in traditional Medicare (also called Original Medicare or Fee-for-Service). If your loved one has a Medicare Advantage plan, they may not be eligible. Contact us and we'll help you understand your options. See Am I eligible for the GUIDE Program? for more.

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.

Yes. The GUIDE Program works alongside your existing Medicare coverage. It doesn't replace your doctor, your current specialists, or any other Medicare benefits you're already receiving.

Enrollment typically takes two to four weeks from your initial eligibility check to your first care plan. Our team handles most of the process, so you don't need to deal with complex paperwork on your own.

After enrollment, you'll receive a personalized care plan, access to the 24/7 support helpline, your annual respite care funding, and regular check-ins from your care team. We're here for the long term, not just to get you enrolled.

Complete our simple eligibility check at trytendercare.com/guide. It takes just a few minutes. From there, our team will reach out to schedule a consultation and walk you through the rest of the process.