Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias are currently the 6th leading cause of death in the United States, while also holding the distinction of being the only condition in the top 10 to not have a cure.  In the coming years, health professionals predict that the number of Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer’s will rise from its current figure of 5.3 million to nearly 13.8 million by 2050.  This significant rise in the number of Alzheimer’s patients will require significant costs to American society, which could eventually reach upwards of 1.1 trillion dollars.  This is especially troubling for patients and family members affected due to Medicare’s lack of coverage for several services necessary for the care of people suffering from Alzheimer’s or other related dementias. 

In its current form, Medicare does not cover services that could lead to the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other related dementias in patients.  This oversight has led to only 45% of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease having been told of their diagnosis, as compared with more than 90% of cancer patients who are made aware of their condition.  The Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer’s Act (S. 827 / H.R. 1559) aims to correct this by amending Medicare to provide coverage for comprehensive Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementia diagnosis and services.  This amendment will improve the detection, diagnosis, and care planning of those afflicted so that they will have the knowledge and support to battle their disease to the best of their abilities.