Alheimer's Advocates Calling on Congress

Dear All Indiana Residents and Others:

Last week, volunteer advocates from across the United States came together at our nation’s Capital to speak about Alzheimer’s and dementia, and ask our federal decision-makers to continue prioritizing this disease. In my case, I have lost my father to Alzheimer’s, have a sister in law who now cannot remember me and have seen three close friends and relatives lose parents as well. This is why I am an advocate, am asking for help from Senators Mike Braun and Todd Young to become advocates as well by authoring a personal letter to CMS advocating approval for coverage all FDA approved medications.

If they will, the 6 million+ Americans (110,000 in IN.) currently living with this disease will have better treatment options available through CMS and can gain more time with loved ones. Thanks to bipartisan champions in Congress, we’ve made great progress advancing research on Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, providing hope to families in the midst of a terrible disease. As of January 6th, we now have two FDA-approved treatments for the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. However, for the first time ever, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) will not cover these treatments. This decision is unjust and harmful to those living with Alzheimer’s disease. Access to treatment can slow the progression of this fatal disease and give people with Alzheimer’s more time with their loved ones. We need our Members of Congress, including my Senators Todd Young and Mike Braun to join us in urging CMS to reverse their decision immediately.

To summarize, my Dad left us way too soon. If this coverage had been available we could have gained valuable lost time and without Medicare coverage, people living with Alzheimer’s disease will be expected to pay $26,000/year for treatment.

To learn more about our progress in the fight to End Alzheimer’s, please visit alzimpact.org.

Mike Hickman