Letter to the editor: Urge Congress to support Alzheimer’s Act

Alzheimer’s families in South Carolina have a new champion in Washington, D.C.! Last week, Congressman Tom Rice became the first member of the S.C. Congressional delegation to cosponsor the HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act. This move by the newest member of the House Ways and Means Committee shows true understanding that Alzheimer’s is an unavoidable reality for families, as well as a budget-breaker for state and federal governments.

The cost for care for Alzheimer’s patients is being shouldered by tax payers in every Congressional district – including you and me. That can only change by investing in Alzheimer’s research and helping affected families find vital resources as early as possible. Alzheimer’s disease is the most expensive disease in the United States, costing Medicaid and Medicare systems $153 billion in 2015.

Congressman Rice has led the way in our state, but now we need Congressman Mulvaney, Senator Scott and Senator Graham join him in cosponsoring the HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act (S. 857/H.R. 1559). This landmark bill would provide Medicare coverage for care planning services for both the individual and the caregiver following a dementia diagnosis.

Care planning allows newly-diagnosed individuals and their caregivers to learn about medical and non-medical treatments, clinical trials opportunities, counseling and support services through organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association, and the importance of engaging in financial and long-term care planning. Let’s give newly diagnosed individuals and their families the tools that they need to prepare for the long road ahead!

This story was originally published February 22, 2016 at 9:39 AM with the headline "Letter to the editor: Urge Congress to support Alzheimer’s Act."