Washington, DC, March 14, 2023 – Voices of Alzheimer’s, an advocacy organization led by people affected by cognitive diseases, responded with joy today at the announcement that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will now provide coverage for a new FDA-approved treatment for Alzheimer's disease. This decision comes in contrast to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) policy, which continues to restrict access to the same treatment.

Voices of Alzheimer’s applauds the VA's decision to provide coverage for this safe and effective treatment, which demonstrated in clinical research to have slowed decline of activities of daily living by 37% - a critical indicator of the quality of life of people living with Alzheimer’s and their care partners.  Additionally, data showed that the treatment delayed progression of cognitive loss by 27% percent compared to placebo, which could equate to months or years of benefit to patients in terms of engaging with loved ones and living independently.

The decision by the VA is a significant step forward in ensuring that veterans living with Alzheimer's have access to innovations in treatments that can improve their quality of life. 

“We are pleased to see the VA taking a leadership role in providing coverage for this important treatment," said Jim Taylor, President and CEO of Voices of Alzheimer’s. "This decision will make a tremendous difference in the lives of people living with Alzheimer's and their families." 

The decision by CMS to continue its tight restrictions on paying for monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease is disappointing and discriminatory against people with Alzheimer's. As recently as last month, the CMS has refused to change Medicare policy, severely limiting access to new, disease-modifying treatments.

Voices of Alzheimer’s urges CMS to urgently reconsider its policy and provide coverage for all FDA-approved treatments though Medicare.

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

VoicesOfAD.com
@VoicesOfAlz

###