Medicare Coverage Authorized for Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

A tremendously significant change in federal policy now permits Medicare coverage for the treatment of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.  No longer can reimbursement for the costs of mental health services, hospice care or home health care be routinely denied simply because a person has Alzheimer’s. 

Until now, payments of medical claims were denied because it was assumed that the nearly four million Americans having Alzheimer’s disease were incapable of any medical improvement.  Alzheimer’s patients were even denied Medicare coverage for therapy to treat other conditions such as a stroke or a broken hip.  Although the disease is irreversible and incurable, new studies show that Alzheimer’s patients can benefit from psychotherapy, physical and occupational therapy and other services.  The new policy eliminates a major barrier to providing mental health services to elderly people. 

Late last year this unpublicized policy change was sent from the government to Medicare carriers who review and pay Medicare claims. The change is only now being put into practice, but will have a huge effect on the lives of people affected by Alzheimer’s. 

Although the cost of the policy change to Medicare is not known, it can be partially offset by the fact that with more therapy and outpatient services, many patients can delay nursing home care.  By giving more patients the opportunity to remain at home longer, costs that would otherwise be borne by the government, patients or their families will be reduced.

Read More:
Alzheimer's Association
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Official Transmittal
NY Times