WASHINGTON, D.C., September 20, 2017 - Across the country, millions of Americans living with Alzheimer's or other dementias rely on Medicaid services to access quality care. The Alzheimer's Association and Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) are therefore troubled by elements of the proposed Graham-Cassidy Amendment and the impact it may have on this population.
More than 5 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's, a progressive and fatal brain disease, and another 15 million are providing care. In its later stages, those who have the disease require an extraordinarily high level of hands-on care, often for years. Medicaid is the only public program that covers these long-term nursing home stays. Medicaid also covers home and community-based services which are critical for people with dementia, particularly in the early and middle stages of the disease.
The proposed changes to Medicaid outlined in the Graham-Cassidy Amendment could have a drastic impact on this vulnerable population given that more than 1 in 4 seniors with Alzheimer's and other dementias are currently on Medicaid.
The Alzheimer's Association and AIM are also alarmed by the potential impact of this legislation on Americans living with pre-existing conditions, including the 200,000 Americans living with younger-onset Alzheimer's. We strongly urge Congress to enact meaningful protections for individuals with Alzheimer's and other dementias to ensure continued access to affordable health care.
At a cost of $259 billion in 2017, Alzheimer's is the most expensive disease in the country and the only leading cause of death in the U.S. that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed. Until Americans living with Alzheimer's and other dementias have access to effective treatments and means of prevention, it is imperative that those living with this devastating disease have access to affordable, quality care.
As the legislative process continues, we will continue to work with Congress to protect the needs of and address the complex challenges faced by these Americans.
Alzheimer's Association ®
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit alz.org.
