Washington, DC, May 24, 2023 – Voices of Alzheimer’s, a leading Alzheimer’s advocacy organization, is heartened by the groundbreaking poll results conducted by The Alliance for Aging Research, LEAD Coalition, the Global Alzheimer's Platform Foundation, and UsAgainstAlzheimer's which demonstrate overwhelming public support for Medicare coverage of FDA-approved Alzheimer's therapies. The resounding message from more than 1,000 likely 2024 voters is clear: Congress and President Biden must step in if the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) fails to address this urgent healthcare need. 

According to the poll data conducted by Lake Research Partners and Public Opinion Strategies, a staggering 8 in 10 voters believe it is the responsibility of Congress to intervene and compel Medicare to cover FDA-approved drugs and therapies that can effectively slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The American people are demanding action, and it is time for our elected officials to listen. 

Equally compelling, 7 in 10 voters are urging President Biden to take a stand and ensure that Medicare provides coverage for these life-altering treatments. As the leader of our nation, President Biden has the power to make a significant impact on the lives of millions of Americans affected by Alzheimer's. The time for bold action is now. 

The poll results further revealed that an astounding 84% of voters strongly agree that Medicare should treat Alzheimer's medications with the same level of priority and accessibility as FDA-approved drugs for other diseases. Our seniors, our loved ones, and our communities deserve equitable access to these innovative treatments that have the potential to transform lives and alleviate the burden of this devastating disease. 

The urgency surrounding this issue cannot be overstated. In just six weeks, Leqembi, a new disease-modifying Alzheimer's therapy, is expected to receive traditional FDA approval (it has already received accelerated approval from the FDA.) Yet, CMS has failed to articulate a comprehensive plan for ensuring Medicare coverage of such groundbreaking treatments. Voices of Alzheimer’s has more than 500 members who stand firm that this is unacceptable. The time has come for CMS to align with the will of the American people and prioritize the health and well-being of our aging population. 

Jim Taylor, President and CEO of Voices of Alzheimer's, said, “Medicare’s unfair and discriminatory policies regarding coverage for FDA-approved Alzheimer's therapies is a disgrace; they must be held responsible for their negligence. With Leqembi's likely FDA approval this summer, the lack of a plan is unacceptable. The poll shows overwhelming voter support for Congress and President Biden to step in and require Medicare to cover these life-changing treatments. It's time for Medicare to prioritize Alzheimer's medications as they do for other diseases. Lives are on the line, and action is imperative." 

Voices of Alzheimer’s stands with The Alliance for Aging Research, LEAD Coalition, the Global Alzheimer's Platform Foundation, and UsAgainstAlzheimer's in their commitment to advocating for the millions affected by Alzheimer's disease. We call upon Congress, the Executive Office of the President, and CMS to act swiftly and decisively on behalf of patients. The need for accessible, affordable, and equitable coverage for Alzheimer's therapies cannot be ignored any longer. 

To access the full poll results, please visit: New Poll: Huge Majorities Want Medicare to Cover Cost of Alzheimer's Drugs - Alliance for Aging Research  

About Voices of Alzheimer's 

Voices of Alzheimer's is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of people living with Alzheimer's disease. Our mission is to empower people living with or at risk of Alzheimer’s and other cognitive illnesses, united by urgency, to drive equitable access to innovation in treatment and care. We are guided and led by those affected by Alzheimer’s, but with a broad membership including those individuals in the generation at risk.  Our primary focus is to draw attention to the unmet medical needs of people with Alzheimer’s – especially to ensuring the FDA and CMS get meritorious products approved and into the hands of patients. 

Learn more on the Voices of Alzheimer’s website, and on social media through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. 

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