By Sen. Rosemary Brown (R-40)
More than 6 million Americans are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and each day, nearly 3,000 patients may progress from mild to moderate dementia due to the disease. Here in Pennsylvania, there are 280,000 individuals aged 65 and older who are living with this debilitating disease, and unfortunately that number is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. These statistics are startling and speak to the dire need to address this public health crisis and ensure patients have access to approved Alzheimer’s treatments.
Many of us have been impacted by Alzheimer’s in some way, shape or form – whether that’s having a loved one diagnosed with the disease, or knowing someone who is a caretaker or provider for someone. We all know the physical, emotional and financial toll that managing this disease can take.
This is why I introduced Senate Bill 840, which has passed the Senate and moved to the House Health Committee, to improve the way in which Pennsylvania addresses Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD). I encourage you to reach out to the House Health Committee and request passage of this important legislation prior to the end of the 2023-24 legislative session. Senate Bill 840 calls for the establishment of a permanent ADRD Division and ADRD Advisory Committee within the Pennsylvania Department of Aging that will be tasked with the responsibility of bringing statewide stakeholders together on plan implementation, collaborating across state agencies, developing public-private partnerships, advocating for policies that strengthen Alzheimer’s awareness and education, securing federal funding, and utilizing resources that meet the complex needs of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Fostering collaboration and partnerships among agencies and departments is a critical step in combatting this public health crisis. In addition to Senate Bill 840, I worked with Senate Appropriations and Senate leadership to include funding of $1.9 million in the Pennsylvania state budget for the purpose of establishing the ADRD program.
Efforts at the state level will not alone combat ADRD – we need federal movement, as well. After decades of research and rigorous scientific review, the first FDA-approved disease-modifying Alzheimer’s therapies came to market in the past two years. Just last month, the FDA approved an additional therapy that helps slow disease progression and delay cognitive decline for patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
Patients now have FDA-approved treatment options, they have the chance to live more independently, spend quality time with their loved ones and enjoy their lives with less challenges. Despite FDA’s approval, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is limiting patient access to these therapies through its national coverage determination. This is an unfortunate example of federal agencies butting heads and ultimately increasing barriers for patients.
It’s critical that we advocate for collaborative partnerships at all levels of government and encourage CMS to reconsider this coverage decision now that innovative therapies have the stamp of approval from the FDA. We must support these thousands of patients and their loved ones and encourage continued research and development so that Alzheimer’s patients and their families can receive the best care against this progressive disease.
CONTACT: Mackenzie Mueller