Washington, DC, May 30, 2023 - As the President and CEO of Voices of Alzheimer's, I am calling on policymakers to continue urging Medicare to provide unrestricted coverage of monoclonal antibody treatments for Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's patients and their families deserve access to the latest advancements in diagnostic tools and treatment without the burden of government bureaucracy.

Last week, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure addressed Congress using intentionally ambiguous language, leaving many patients and advocates concerned that CMS is preparing to shift the blame for slow and inequitable access to new treatments onto patients, healthcare providers, and the private sector. This approach is not only disingenuous, but it also does a great disservice to the millions of Americans living with Alzheimer's and their families.

The fact is that the CMS policy has been a major barrier that prevents most people living with Alzheimer’s in the U.S. from accessing innovative Alzheimer's diagnostic tools and treatments. The National Coverage Determination regarding monoclonal antibody treatments for Alzheimer’s developed by CMS is a significant restriction on coverage for new therapies, leaving those who need help the most to suffer www.VoicesOfAD.com @voicesofalz unnecessarily. CMS should take responsibility for its longstanding discrimination against people living with Alzheimer's, and evaluate how to address the needs of this population in light of scientific advancement in both disease recognition and management.

We urge policymakers to hold CMS accountable and to insist on an immediate and comprehensive review of Medicare's policies on Alzheimer's treatments. This is an opportunity for CMS to demonstrate true leadership and commitment to improving the lives of Alzheimer's patients and their loved-ones by ensuring they receive the best care possible. We must not lose sight of the fact that behind every Alzheimer's diagnosis is a person, a family, and a community that needs our support. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that those living with Alzheimer's have access to the latest and most effective treatments without delay.

Together, we can make a difference for the millions of Americans affected by Alzheimer's disease. Let's work to ensure that CMS steps up to the challenge and prioritizes the needs of these patients and their families.

Sincerely,

Jim Taylor

President and CEO

Voices of Alzheimer's

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

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