Bipartisan Support for Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention Act

The Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act, co-sponsored by House Representatives Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) and Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), aims to address the growing concern of Alzheimer’s disease through proactive measures. During a recent event hosted by The Hill, both congressmen emphasized the urgency of the legislation, stating that the financial implications of Alzheimer’s are too significant for Congress to overlook. Buchanan, whose father suffered from the disease, highlighted the need for a shift from reactive to proactive healthcare strategies, noting that the bill has garnered bipartisan support with approximately 50 co-sponsors evenly split between Democrats and Republicans.

The Hill

The ASAP Act proposes that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) cover FDA-approved blood-based screening tests for Alzheimer’s disease. This includes tests such as the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio and the Elecsys pTau181 test, which have been recently approved for diagnosing Alzheimer’s in adults aged 55 and older. Tonko pointed out that these tests are less invasive and offer hope for earlier detection, which is crucial given the current limitations of the Social Security Act that restricts coverage for services deemed not “reasonable and necessary.”

The Hill

The Alzheimer’s Association emphasizes that early detection significantly improves the chances of effectively managing the disease. Their 2025 Disease Facts and Figures report indicates that individuals diagnosed in the early stages, such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia, are eligible for new antiamyloid medications like donanemab (Kisunla) and lecanemab (Leqembi). Early diagnosis not only provides patients with more treatment options but also alleviates anxiety, encourages healthier lifestyle choices, and facilitates better personal and financial planning.

The Hill

While the ASAP Act has received bipartisan support, there are concerns regarding the implementation of the proposed screenings. Critics argue that the novelty of these blood tests may lead to challenges in determining their necessity and effectiveness under existing Medicare guidelines. The potential for bureaucratic hurdles in securing coverage for these tests has raised questions about the bill's feasibility and the timeline for its impact.

The Hill

Buchanan stated, “We will find a way to get the money, the funds, one way or the other, because it’s too expensive not to.” Tonko echoed this sentiment, asserting the importance of including these tests in Medicare coverage to facilitate earlier detection of Alzheimer’s disease.

The Hill

As the ASAP Act progresses through Congress, its proponents are optimistic about securing the necessary funding and support to implement these critical screening measures. The ongoing discussions will likely focus on addressing the concerns raised by critics while emphasizing the importance of early detection in managing Alzheimer’s disease.

The Hill