Medicare would cover blood tests for early Alzheimer's detection

What does this do?

This bill would require Medicare to cover blood-based tests that can detect Alzheimer's disease and related dementias before or in the early stages of symptoms, starting January 1, 2028. To qualify, a test must be FDA-approved or cleared and must analyze blood or other biological samples, including tests that look at genes, proteins, cell-free nucleic acids, or similar markers. The agency overseeing Medicare would decide which specific tests qualify, as long as results are comparable to the core blood-based tests described in the bill.

Who does it affect?

Medicare enrollees would be affected — generally people 65 and older, as well as certain people with disabilities.

Why does it matter?

Requiring coverage could remove out-of-pocket costs for these early detection tests for Medicare enrollees. People who could not otherwise afford these screenings may gain access to them.

Where does it stand?