Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention Act of 2025; ASAP Act
Summary
The Alzheimer's Screening and Prevention Act of 2025 (ASAP Act) aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include Medicare coverage for blood-based dementia screening tests. This bill, H.R. 6130, was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means. The Act defines 'Alzheimer's disease and related dementias early detection screening test' and specifies the types of tests covered, including genomic sequencing blood tests and other equivalent tests as determined by the Secretary.
Expected Effects
The ASAP Act would expand Medicare coverage to include early detection screening tests for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, starting January 1, 2028. This could lead to earlier diagnosis and potential interventions for affected individuals. It also specifies payment considerations under Section 1833(h)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act.
Potential Benefits
- Early Detection: Allows for earlier detection of Alzheimer's and related dementias, potentially leading to earlier intervention and management.
- Improved Healthcare Access: Expands Medicare coverage, making screening tests more accessible to seniors.
- Innovation in Testing: Encourages the development and use of advanced blood-based screening technologies.
- Better Patient Outcomes: Early diagnosis can improve patient outcomes and quality of life through timely care and support.
- Potential Cost Savings: Early intervention may reduce long-term healthcare costs associated with advanced stages of dementia.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Medicare Costs: Expanding coverage could increase Medicare expenditures.
- Accuracy of Tests: The effectiveness and accuracy of blood-based screening tests need to be ensured to avoid false positives or negatives.
- Implementation Challenges: Defining 'equivalent tests' and ensuring consistent standards may pose challenges.
- Ethical Considerations: Early detection raises ethical considerations related to patient privacy and potential discrimination.
- Limited Treatment Options: While early detection is beneficial, effective treatments for Alzheimer's are still limited.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The ASAP Act aligns with the Constitution's mandate to 'promote the general Welfare' (Preamble) by improving public health through early disease detection. Congress has the power to legislate on matters related to Medicare under the Social Security Act, which falls under its enumerated powers to provide for the general welfare. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).