Hope for Alzheimer’s

I am disheartened to learn that only 1% of Medicare beneficiaries with dementia have received a personal care plan that has been available to them since 2017. It’s my understanding that many physicians are unaware of this service that can help their patients and the patient’s caregivers.

Alzheimer’s Association advocates have asked members of Congress to co-sponsor the “Improving HOPE For Alzheimer’s Act” which will give physicians information that will assist them in developing an effective care plan for patients with dementia.

My thanks to Congresswoman Cathy McMorris-Rodgers for co-sponsoring the original 2016 legislation that led to the creation of the Medicare planning benefit. She currently serves on the health subcommittee that can approve this bipartisan legislation (HR 1873). Please join me in urging Rep. McMorris-Rodgers to become a co-sponsor of this bill and help ensure its passage in this session of Congress.

I lost my father and a dear friend to Alzheimer’s disease. We must do all we can to end this scourge that is affecting more and more families and provide needed resources to improve care. We can accomplish this with the help of every member of Congress. Alzheimer’s/dementia is an urgent national public health crisis.

Mark Newbold

Spokane