This bill would change parts of the Social Security Act to require cognitive impairment detection during two Medicare visits: the annual wellness visit and the initial preventive physical examination. It amends section 1861(hhh)(2) to require that cognitive impairment detection be done using one of the tools identified by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) as meeting NIA criteria for primary care. The bill also requires that the medical record include which tool was used and the assessment results. It amends section 1861(ww)(1) to add the same detection requirement to the initial preventive physical exam. The changes apply to visits furnished on or after January 1, 2026. The bill also lists findings about Alzheimer’s and dementia prevalence, disparities, caregiver impacts, and national cost estimates.
No publicly available information.
The bill’s findings state that early, documented diagnosis lets patients and caregivers access care planning, treatments, support services, and clinical trials. The bill notes high and growing numbers of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, racial and gender disparities, caregiver burdens, and large national costs. Supporters argue that routine detection during these Medicare visits helps identify problems earlier and connects people to care.
No publicly available information.