Bill > S1799

This bill aims to improve early detection of cognitive impairment, particularly Alzheimer's disease, within Medicare's preventive healthcare services by requiring cognitive screening during annual wellness visits and initial preventive physical examinations. The bill is motivated by compelling statistics, including that approximately 6.9 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer's disease, a number projected to nearly double by 2060, and that the condition disproportionately affects certain populations, with Black and Latino Americans experiencing higher rates. Specifically, the bill mandates that Medicare annual wellness visits and initial preventive exams include a cognitive impairment detection assessment using tools recommended by the National Institute on Aging, with results to be documented in the patient's medical record. These new requirements will take effect on January 1, 2026, and are designed to enable earlier diagnosis, which can help patients and caregivers access care planning services, medical treatments, support services, and clinical trials more promptly. The bill highlights the significant economic and personal impact of Alzheimer's disease, noting that by 2024, the estimated cost of Alzheimer's and related dementias will be $360 billion, with Medicare and Medicaid expected to cover nearly $231 billion of that total.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1799/all-info