In Case You Missed It: Capito, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Access to Alzheimer’s Screening

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) recently joined U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.) in introducing the bipartisan Alzheimer's Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act. The legislation would require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to create a pathway to cover blood biomarker tests approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease.

The FDA approved the first blood-based biomarker test for use by primary care physicians earlier this year, but physicians could be hesitant to use the tests if they are not reimbursed by CMS. U.S. Representative Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

"Alzheimer's is a disease that has touched so many West Virginia families, including my own. While we are making breakthroughs in research and treatment, early screening and detection remain essential in improving outcomes and getting us closer to ending this devastating disease. That is why I am proud to help introduce the Alzheimer's Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act, legislation that ensures patients have access to the early testing they need,"Senator Capito said.

Specifically, the ASAP Act would:

• Create the authority for CMS to cover FDA-approved blood-based dementia screening tests; and

• Maintain CMS' authority to use an evidence-based process to determine coverage parameters for these new tests.

The ASAP Act has been endorsed by the Alzheimer's Association.

"New blood tests that can detect Alzheimer's are coming soon. We need legislative action now so people living with the disease can access them without delay," Robert Egge, chief public policy officer of the Alzheimer's Association and president of the Alzheimer's Impact Movement, said. "The ASAP Act makes that possible, removing barriers and opening the door to earlier care and better outcomes. We're grateful for the longstanding bipartisan commitment of these congressional champions and their leadership on this landmark legislation. Together, we can make this bipartisan bill deliver for the Alzheimer's community."

To read the bill text, click here.

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