S. 1799: 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 legislation aims to improve the early detection of cognitive impairment, specifically Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, during Medicare's annual wellness visits and initial preventive physical examinations. The key components of the bill include:

Findings

The bill presents several findings highlighting the significance of Alzheimer's disease:

• Approximately 6.9 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's disease, with projections suggesting this number could nearly double by 2060.
• Demographic disparities exist, with older Black Americans being twice as likely and Latino Americans 1.5 times as likely to develop Alzheimer's compared to older White Americans.
• Alzheimer's is recognized as the fifth-leading cause of death for Americans aged 65 and older, with a significant increase in deaths associated with the disease over the past two decades.
• Addressing risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, and poor nutrition could prevent or delay up to 40% of dementia cases.
• Early and documented diagnoses facilitate access to care and support services, while also benefiting caregivers who face health challenges due to the stress of caregiving.
• The financial burden of Alzheimer's disease is substantial, with estimated costs reaching $360 billion in 2024 alone, which is expected to rise significantly by 2050.

Cognitive Impairment Detection Benefits

The bill proposes amendments to enhance cognitive impairment detection during specific Medicare services:

1. Annual Wellness Visit

• The bill mandates the implementation of cognitive impairment detection during the annual wellness visit for Medicare beneficiaries.
• Detection must utilize tools endorsed by the National Institute on Aging that meet established criteria for identifying cognitive impairment in primary care settings.
• Healthcare providers are required to document the tool used and the results of the assessment within the patient's medical record.
• This amendment will take effect for annual wellness visits occurring on or after January 1, 2026.

2. Initial Preventive Physical Examination

• Similar provisions will apply to the initial preventive physical examination, ensuring cognitive impairment detection occurs as part of the examination.
• Healthcare providers will be required to agree on a plan that includes cognitive impairment detection, similar to the guidelines for the annual wellness visit.
• This change will also take effect for examinations conducted on or after January 1, 2026.

Objective

The overarching goal of the bill is to enhance the healthcare framework for older adults by ensuring that cognitive impairments are identified and addressed promptly during crucial health assessments. This aims to improve the quality of care for individuals at risk of or living with Alzheimer's disease, facilitate access to necessary resources, and lessen the burden on caregivers and the healthcare system.

Relevant Companies

• None found