Leading Alzheimer’s disease advocates urged Congress on Mar. 10 to support the bipartisan Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan. The legislation aims to allow Medicare coverage for blood-based dementia screening tests, which supporters say could help millions receive earlier diagnoses and care.
The push for the ASAP Act comes as Alzheimer’s disease remains a major public health challenge in the United States, with more than 7 million Americans currently living with the condition. Health and long-term care costs related to Alzheimer’s are projected to reach $384 billion in 2025, not including an estimated $413.5 billion in unpaid caregiving, according to a letter from advocacy groups.
Buchanan said, “Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease is key to giving families more time, options and hope.” He added, “Having served as a caretaker to an elderly parent with Alzheimer’s and with nearly 200,000 seniors in my district, this issue is deeply personal to me. Expanding access to early detection will give millions of Americans the chance to plan ahead and seek care sooner. I’m grateful for the outpouring of support for my Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention Act and call on my colleagues to pass my bill and ensure every American can benefit from these life-saving innovations.”
Robert Egge, Chief Public Policy Officer at the Alzheimer’s Association and President of AIM, said, “A simple blood test can detect Alzheimer’s before symptoms appear. The bipartisan ASAP Act ensures people benefit from this scientific milestone.” Egge continued, “Under current law, Medicare cannot cover any dementia screening test for people without symptoms. The ASAP Act clears the roadblock, bringing people closer to timely diagnoses, informed treatment decisions and stronger support for families.”
Several Florida-based researchers joined national organizations in signing a letter supporting Buchanan’s bill. These include Steven T. DeKosky of the University of Florida College of Medicine; Amanda G. Smith at USF’s Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute; and Gopal Thinakaran at USF’s Morsani College of Medicine.
The signatories wrote: “The LEAD Coalition (Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer’s Disease), the Alzheimer’s Association, and Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) strongly support the ASAP Act and urge you to become a cosponsor… We appreciate your ongoing commitment to addressing Alzheimer’s disease and related forms of dementia and look forward to continued collaboration…”
Buchanan has represented Florida’s 16th congressional district since 2007 after replacing Katherine Harris according to his biography. He previously served in the Florida House of Representatives as reported by Congress.gov. Born in Detroit in 1951, Buchanan now lives in Sarasota according to his official biography. He holds degrees from Cleary University (1975) and University of Detroit Mercy (1986) according to Vote Smart.
Advocates argue that without clear Medicare coverage pathways like those proposed by the ASAP Act, it could take years for new screening tools—even after FDA approval—to become accessible through Medicare.
