A bipartisan bill introduced on March 17 by U.S. Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Tom Cole (R-OK) aims to create a new way to fund dementia care through Medicare that would improve quality of care, support Alzheimer’s caregivers, and reduce costs.
“Alzheimer’s impacts millions of families throughout America and in Illinois. It is important that we continue to work to provide high-quality care to individuals impacted by this disease,” Rep. LaHood said. “Our bipartisan bill will support continued innovation for Alzheimer’s treatment by the healthcare community and work to support patients, families, and caregivers through greater coordination of care.”
Rep. LaHood sponsored the Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Act, H.R. 1637, with three original cosponsors, including Rep. Cole and U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY), to recommend that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation test the effect of a dementia care management model, according to the congressional record bill summary.
Specifically, H.R. 1637 would provide comprehensive care management services, including monitoring of additional health conditions, medication management and care coordination; 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; and eliminate cost-sharing for patients and pay providers a monthly amount based on the complexity and quality of the patient’s care, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“By the year 2025, 76,000 Oklahomans aged 65 or older will be living with Alzheimer’s disease,” said Rep. Cole. “Since Alzheimer’s leads to other serious conditions, it is critical we provide Medicare beneficiaries with more comprehensive care and give caregivers the support and tools they need to care for their loved ones and navigate their medical care needs.”
Additionally, H.R. 1637 would allow all sizes of providers to participate, including hospitals, community health centers, and rural health clinics; ensure that caregivers are supported and able to participate in the coordination and management of care; and require outreach to underrepresented populations, as well as culturally appropriate care.
The bill is supported by the Alzheimer’s Association.
“I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this important bill that would greatly improve the quality of life for those living with this terrible disease,” Rep. Cole added.