Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act (H.R. 6130 / S. 3267)
Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act (H.R. 6130 / S. 3267)
The Problem it Solves
While recent scientific breakthroughs have produced FDA-cleared blood biomarker tests capable of detecting Alzheimer’s years before severe symptoms emerge, Medicare is legally barred from covering screening tests for conditions without specific prior authorization or lengthy task force approvals. The ASAP Act aims to fix this bottleneck and open the door to early treatment.
Current Medicare Coverage
While early routine screening blood tests are not yet covered, Medicare already provides coverage for the following at no out-of-pocket cost:
- Annual Wellness Visit: Includes a mandatory assessment for cognitive impairment and dementia.
- Diagnostic Evaluations: Medicare covers the costs of physical exams, comprehensive cognitive assessments, and necessary neuropsychological tests ordered by a physician to confirm a diagnosis.
- Advanced Imaging: Brain MRIs and PET scans are partially covered when prescribed as part of a diagnostic evaluation or through specific clinical trials.
How to Support the Initiative
Advocates compare the ASAP Act to the “mammogram moment,” noting that routine coverage is vital for catching the disease early enough for new disease-modifying treatments to be effective. The Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) are leading the advocacy push. You can view the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement ASAP Action Page to call your congressional representatives and urge them to cosponsor the bill.
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