Reps. Auchincloss, Ciscomani Introduce the Bipartisan Alzheimer’s Early Detection Act to Expand Coverage for Pre-Symptomatic Disease Detection
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Georgina.Burros@mail.house.gov (Auchincloss)
Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) introduced the bipartisan Alzheimer’s Early Detection Act to allow pre-Medicare-eligible adults to access blood-based biomarker testing that detects pre-symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease before cognitive symptoms appear. Alzheimer’s disease is usually diagnosed in those over the age of 65, after symptoms appear and progressively get worse. By 2050, 13 million Americans are expected to suffer from Alzheimer’s, costing an estimated $1 trillion every year in medical and caregiver expenses.
The life expectancy after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is four to eight years. This legislation would require commercial health plans and Medicaid to cover biomarker testing for early detection, risk stratification, diagnosis, treatment, and management of Alzheimer’s disease for adults over 50.
Biomarker testing for Alzheimer’s disease in adults over 50 is an evolving area that combines blood-based tests, brain imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis to detect biological changes linked to the disease. The Alzheimer’s Early Detection Act helps advance early detection and provides access to life-altering testing to help alleviate the emotional and economic burden of Alzheimer’s on patients and families.
“Few families in America are untouched by Alzheimer's,” said Rep. Auchincloss. “My mission is to make my children's generation the first one with the medical tools to prevent this cruel and costly disease. Early detection is critical to that mission.”
“Early detection can change the way families approach Alzheimer’s disease by providing patients and their loved ones with critical information sooner,” said Rep. Juan Ciscomani. “This issue is deeply personal to me. Like most Americans, several people close to me are currently battling with this horrendous disease. I have seen firsthand the importance of ensuring families have the information, resources, and support they need before a diagnosis becomes a crisis. No family should have to navigate Alzheimer’s alone, and every American deserves the opportunity to better understand their health risks and access care as early as possible.”
“As science continues to improve early detection of Alzheimer's disease, coverage must keep pace so more Americans can benefit as soon as possible,” said Erika Sward, Chief Advocacy Officer, UsAgainstAlzheimer's. “UsAgainstAlzheimer's applauds Representatives Auchincloss and Ciscomani for introducing their bipartisan legislation to allow for pre-Medicare coverage of biomarker testing, which will help more Americans receive timely diagnoses, make informed decisions about their care, and better prepare for the future.”
“Alzheimer's disease doesn't wait, and patients shouldn't have to either,” said Casey McPherson, AfPA Executive Director, Alliance for Patient Access. “Early detection is critical, and with new tests it is possible to give patients and families more time to plan, access treatment, and participate in their own care decisions. By cutting the red tape and eliminating unnecessary hurdles, this legislation ensures patients get the biomarker testing their clinicians recommend without unnecessary delay. Thank you to Representative Auchincloss for pushing this effort forward to expand timely access to early diagnosis.”
“Currently available blood tests accurately indicate Alzheimer’s pathology in the brain at the symptomatic and even pre-symptomatic stages of the disease,” said Paul Aisen, MD, Senior Scholar, USC Schaeffer Institute. “Studies show treatment with current therapies slows the disease, delaying loss of function by months to years; the earlier treatment starts, the greater the benefit (so delays in diagnosis must be avoided). The disease typically begins in the brain when people reach their 50s or early 60s; we must enable timely, accurate diagnosis for all.”
Read the full bill text here.