Sinema-backed bill requires screenings to detect and diagnose Alzheimer’s in Medicare patients
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema cosponsored the Concentrating on High-Value Alzheimer’s Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act – bipartisan legislation strengthening screening to detect and diagnose early-onset Alzheimer’s and related dementias in Medicare patients.
“We’re improving the Alzheimer’s screening process to better detect and diagnose Alzheimer’s early and strengthen health outcomes for Arizona seniors,” said Sinema.
The Sinema-backed CHANGE Act requires that the “Welcome to Medicare” exam and annual Medicare wellness visits include a screening to detect and diagnose early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The bipartisan bill changes current federal guidance, which only directs doctors to try and detect cognitive impairment through “direct observation” which may miss cases in their early stages. Early detection allows patients and their families to access available treatment options, receive support services, and make future care plans.
Arizona has one of the fastest growing Alzheimer’s rates in the nation. The earlier cognitive impairment is detected, the better the chances of slowing progression become.
Last year, Sinema cosponsored the bipartisan Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Act – legislation strengthening comprehensive care for Alzheimer’s patients and support for caregivers.