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    CMS Treatment Coverage Policy: What It Means for People Living with Alzheimer’s

    CMS Treatment Coverage Policy: What It Means for People Living with Alzheimer’s

    In April 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an unprecedented decision restricting Medicare coverage of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatments that target amyloid for Alzheimer's disease. But following extensive efforts by the Alzheimer's Association, bipartisan members of Congress, state attorneys general, clinicians and, most importantly, advocates from communities all across the country, CMS has updated its coverage plan for traditionally approved FDA treatments.

    Medicare now will cover FDA-approved monoclonal antibody treatments that receive traditional approval if clinicians participate and enter data in a simple registry. This policy applies to all currently FDA-approved monoclonal antibody treatments, including lecanemab (Leqembi®) and donanemab (Kisunla™), and others that may receive approval.

    In addition, in October 2023, CMS issued a new policy that expands coverage of brain amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) imaging for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Access to amyloid PET imaging for Alzheimer's diagnosis is essential in the new era of treatments.

    Your voice is important to the fight

    By generously sharing your time and resources, you have brought us to this pivotal moment — but we must keep going. Learn about all of the ways people like you are moving the needle for the cause.

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    Navigating Treatment Options

    Progress in Alzheimer's research has created promising new treatments. Learn about the different drugs so you can discuss the options with a doctor.
    Navigating Treatment Options

    Governance and Financial Transparency

    We maintain our independence and safeguard against outside influence while working with ethical companies, organizations and individuals that share our mission.
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    Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

    Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an early stage of memory loss or other cognitive ability loss in individuals who maintain the ability to independently perform most activities of daily living.
    Learn About MCI

    We're here for you

    The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) is available around the clock, 365 days a year. Through this free service, specialists and master’s-level clinicians offer confidential support and information to people living with dementia, caregivers, families and the public.

    About the Alzheimer’s Association

    The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®.