Guthrie Introduces Alzheimer’s Bill

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), along with Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY), Jackie Walorski (R-IN), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Chris Smith (R-NJ), and Maxine Waters (D-CA) today introduced the Improving HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act (H.R. 1873).
 
“An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be devastating, not only for the person who receives the diagnosis but also for their families,” said Guthrie. “There are often many unanswered questions about best practices and treatment options. Medicare currently offers care planning services for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, but sadly, many doctors do not even know that this is an option. I was proud to join Reps. Tonko, Walorski, Blumenauer, Smith, and Waters in introducing the Improving HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act to help better education physicians about Alzheimer’s care planning services.”
 
The Improving HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to inform health care providers about care planning benefits available through Medicare. The bill would also require HHS to identify other barriers individuals may be facing in accessing care planning.
 
Guthrie has long advocated for cures and support for people with Alzheimer’s. Last year, President Trump signed Guthrie’s BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act into law. The BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act created a public health infrastructure to support prevention, treatment, and care for patients with Alzheimer’s and related neurological diseases.