H.R. 3501: To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for certain cognitive impairment detection in the Medicare annual wellness visit and initial preventive physical examination.

This bill, designated as H.R. 3501, proposes amendments to the Social Security Act to enhance the detection of cognitive impairment during Medicare wellness visits and initial preventive physical examinations. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:

Context and Findings

The bill is based on several findings regarding cognitive impairments, particularly Alzheimer’s disease:

• Approximately 6.9 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s, a number predicted to rise to nearly 13.8 million by 2060.
• Demographics show that older Black and Latino Americans have a higher likelihood of Alzheimer's compared to older White Americans.
• Alzheimer’s disease stands as the fifth-leading cause of death amongst individuals aged 65 and older.
• There has been a significant increase in reported deaths from Alzheimer’s from 2000 to 2021, while deaths from other conditions have decreased.
• Addressing factors such as hypertension and poor nutrition may prevent or delay many dementia cases.
• Early diagnosis is emphasized as it allows for better care planning and access to treatments.
• Caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s can significantly impact the health of caregivers.
• About 11.5 million Americans provide unpaid care for those with Alzheimer’s, at a cost exceeding $347 billion in informal care in 2023.
• The economic burden of dementia is substantial, with costs expected to rise to $1.1 trillion by 2050.
• Medicare and Medicaid are projected to cover a significant portion of the costs associated with Alzheimer’s and similar conditions.

Provisions for Cognitive Impairment Detection

Annual Wellness Visit

The bill proposes that during Medicare’s annual wellness visit:

• Cognitive impairment will be assessed using tools identified by the National Institute on Aging that meet specific criteria.
• Results of the cognitive assessment must be documented in the patient's medical record.

This provision is set to take effect for wellness visits conducted from January 1, 2026, onward.

Initial Preventive Physical Examination

For the initial preventive physical examination, the bill includes the following changes:

• The examination will now incorporate a cognitive impairment detection component.
• This change will also take effect for examinations provided on or after January 1, 2026.

Overall Implications

By mandating cognitive impairment assessments during key Medicare visits, the bill aims to facilitate earlier diagnoses and access to care and support services for individuals with Alzheimer's and other dementias. It seeks to address the growing public health issue of cognitive impairment within the aging population.

Relevant Companies

• None found