Buchanan Co-Sponsors Bill to Help Americans with Alzheimer's

Press Release

Congressman Vern Buchanan today announced he has co-sponsored bipartisan legislation that would strengthen outreach and awareness of Alzheimer's and dementia care planning services provided by Medicare.

"Patients and their families often struggle following a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, one of the leading causes of death in the United States," Buchanan said in announcing his support for the Improving HOPE (Health Outcomes, Planning, Education) for Alzheimer's Act. "It is important that people in our community and across the country know that there are resources available to them. Care planning is critical for reducing hospitalizations and managing other conditions that may be complicated by Alzheimer's."

The Alzheimer's Association called Buchanan's support "crucial." Buchanan is a senior member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees Medicare. "Thank you Vern Buchanan for your leadership in cosponsoring the Hope for Alzheimer's Act -- your support is crucial to help educate clinicians on dementia care planning services through Medicare and the important role these services play in the lives of those impacted by Alzheimer's," the group said in a statement.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, 5.8 million Americans are currently living with the disease. By 2050, that number is projected to grow to at least 13.8 million, a 138% increase. Alzheimer's is 5th leading cause of death among seniors in the United States, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In 2017, Medicare began covering care planning services to assist patients with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. The decision followed a strong bipartisan push for care planning legislation, the HOPE for Alzheimer's Act, which Buchanan cosponsored. Unfortunately, many patients and their doctors are unaware that they have access to this important resource. According to the Alzheimer's Association, fewer than 1% of seniors living with Alzheimer's received the benefit during the first year it was available.

The Improving HOPE for Alzheimer's Act would require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) to conduct education and outreach about care planning services to healthcare providers. Outreach efforts include education initiatives, diagnostic evaluations, and materials that explain eligibility requirements. Increased awareness would give seniors and their families a better understanding of available treatment options and community resources. The bill also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report on the required outreach and barriers patients face to access care planning services.

Buchanan represents over 220,000 Social Security recipients in the nation's eighth-oldest congressional district.

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