More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia and the “Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Act” would help the 95% of individuals with dementia that have one or more other chronic conditions, such as hypertension, heart disease and diabetes. The bipartisan bill is expected to reduce medical complications for these patients by creating a new way to fund dementia care through Medicare. This new model of managing care can help reduce hospitalizations and emergency department visits and delay nursing home placement, which improves the quality of life for patients and makes treatment more affordable.

The needs of someone with Alzheimer’s disease and their family members who are caring for them are unique and especially challenging. This bill takes a comprehensive approach in addressing these special health care needs. It creates a model for innovative planning, high standards of care and support for caregivers while reducing costs through better coordination” said Senator Stabenow, the Michigan Senator who introduced the bill in Washington DC.

The Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Act improves the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s disease. The bill would:

1. Provide comprehensive care management services, including monitoring of additional health conditions, medication management and care coordination.
2. Establish high standards of care by evaluating the quality of care provided to patients, including clinical outcomes, patient and caregiver experience, and utilization of care.
3. Eliminate cost-sharing for patients and pay providers a monthly amount based on the complexity and quality of the patient’s care. It would allow both large and small providers to participate, including hospitals, community health centers and rural health clinics.
4. Ensure that caregivers are supported and able to participate in the coordination and management of care.
5. Require outreach to underrepresented populations, as well as culturally appropriate care.

As we continue to provide quality care for our residents living with dementia, it would be a wonderful thing to have support, both financially and with additional resources. Stay well, mask up and stay tuned!