Nationally, consumer health products and services not covered by insurance or Medicare equal approximately $20 billion annually, an average of over $2000 each year per caregiver family. The Caregivers Marketplace (TCM) can help reduce those costs and provide education and training for family caregivers. TCM is the nation's first free and confidential cash-back and discount program for everyone who needs, receives, and provides care.

Understanding the financial burden caregivers face for products (most not covered by insurance or Medicare) and armed with product research, Paul Alper (TCM's President) approached several major manufacturers. From there he developed a process that provides savings and reimbursement for consumer and caregiver products in an easy-to-use system. In 2002-when TCM was started and its Discount and Resource Guide was published-the VNAA began its current collaborative partnership.

Today, TCM is recognized as the first national program of its kind and offers unlimited annual savings on almost 1000 healthcare products. Eligible products include leading-brand nutritional supplements; incontinence and skin care supplies; specially designed products to help with eating, dressing, bathing, exercise, and mobility; personal emergency response systems; wound care and prevention products; and home modification equipment.

Spreading the word to caregivers was a challenge-what better vehicle than VNAA! Many VNAs view this as a "value-added" service they could provide to patients and their caregivers. Because VNAs work to meet community needs, many agencies were happy to partake in the distribution process.

The VNAs that provide patients and caregivers the option to join the program find these families are very pleased with the savings offered to them. The services provided by TCM are free and offer cash back and discounts for every purchase. There is no cost to the home care agency and only savings for the patients and their families.

If you work at a VNA or non-VNA home care agency that has not offered this program, consider doing it today. As the holiday season nears, it's a wonderful gift to bring your patients and their families.

Any home care agency or clinician can participate in TCM.

For more information, or to participate in TCM, visit http://www.vnaa.org. You'll find access to the Benefits Tool Kit, instructions on ordering the postage-paid enrollment materials, and a link to the TCM Web site.

Also available is a new consumer video, How it Works-Making the Marketplace Work For You. In less than 5 minutes you can show other staff how easy it is for your clients to enroll, get cash back, and receive discounts. Your patients and their families can enroll online at http://www.caregiversmarketplace.com or by calling toll-free:(866) 327-8340.