For immediate release
Rippl and the Alzheimer’s Association Selected by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to Test Medicare Dementia Care Model
Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model Aims to Increase Care Coordination, Support for Caregivers
[Seattle, July 8, 2024] – Today, Rippl and the Alzheimer’s Association® announced they have 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’ Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, Rippl and the Alzheimer’s Association will be 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 Rippl and the Alzheimer’s Association 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 help line; 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.
Kris Engskov, Rippl CEO and co-founder shared, “We’re thrilled to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association to bring our innovative research-backed model to provide practical care to patients, as well as their families and caregivers, keeping them at home and out of the ER and hospital. Health equity is a cornerstone of this partnership, and our virtual care model supports our joint commitment to ensure all have access.”
“The Alzheimer’s Association has long championed a dementia care management model to provide much needed help to families affected by dementia,” said Joanne Pike, DrPH, president and CEO, Alzheimer’s Association. “GUIDE offers a bold first step toward revolutionizing dementia care in this country and we’re excited to participate.”
Rippl and the Alzheimer’s Association’s 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 health care 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 visit: https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/guide.
For more information about the Dementia Care Navigation Service, powered by Rippl and the Alzheimer’s Association, please visit ripplcare.com/alz.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
About Rippl
Rippl provides specialty dementia care for patients and caregivers, on demand. Leveraging a value-based approach, disruptive technology, and a relentless focus on empowering and enabling its clinicians, Rippl is pioneering a new care model to dramatically expand access to high quality, wraparound dementia care for seniors, their families and caregivers. ripplcare.com
