Four U.S. Senators announced Thursday that the U.S. Department of Defense would cover new care plans to support Alzheimer’s patients covered through TRICARE and their families.
More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and more than 15 million people serve as their caregivers, according to a release.
U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.; Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.; Susan Collins, R-Maine; and Ed Markey, D-Mass., had strongly urged the department to make sure that anyone who receives TRICARE could also have access to these new care plans.
“Millions of individuals across the country are affected by Alzheimer’s, including many who have bravely served our country,” Capito said. “This announcement is great news for our servicemen and women, as well as their families, and I’m very proud of the role my colleagues and I played in encouraging the department’s decision.”
The senators authored the Health Outcomes Planning and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer’s Act, which requires Medicare to pay for an individual care plan for newly diagnosed Alzheimer's patients.
This new benefit would encourage doctors to give a clear diagnosis to patients with Alzheimer’s disease, including information about treatment options and what medical and community services are available.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid effectively implemented the HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act starting on Jan. 1, 2017.
TRICARE serves 9.5 million active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, family members and survivors. With Thursday's announcement, anyone on TRICARE or Medicare now has access to this new benefit.
