Medicare wellness visits would include cognitive screening
In committeeH.R. 3501Latest action
Sponsor: Linda T. Sánchez · Representative · CA
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Official title: To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for certain cognitive impairment detection in the Medicare annual wellness visit and initial preventive physical examination.
119th Congress
Topics: Health care
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Medicare wellness visits must include a standardized cognitive screening test approved by the National Institute on Aging.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would require Medicare's annual wellness visit and the one-time "Welcome to Medicare" exam to include a standardized test for signs of cognitive impairment, such as memory problems or early dementia. The screening tool must be approved by the National Institute on Aging for use in a primary care setting. Doctors must record which tool was used and what the results showed in the patient's medical record.
Who does it affect?
This affects Medicare beneficiaries, mostly people age 65 and older, who attend these covered preventive visits. It also applies to doctors and other health providers who conduct these exams.
Why does it matter?
The bill states that the goal is to catch cognitive decline earlier. Earlier detection means patients and caregivers could access care planning, treatments, and support services sooner.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 19, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · May 19, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.