American Medical Innovation and Investment Act of 2024
Should this bill be enacted, it would significantly enhance preventive care services available through Medicare. By officially incorporating cognitive impairment assessments into routine wellness visits, the bill addresses an essential area of healthcare, fostering early detection and potential intervention for cognitive decline among older adults. Additionally, it seeks to allocate funding to support these new provisions, thereby streamlining the delivery of dementia-related health services across the United States.
House Bill 8816, known as the American Medical Innovation and Investment Act of 2024, aims to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act by introducing a cognitive impairment detection benefit under the Medicare program. This legislation proposes that annual wellness visits and initial preventive physical examinations include assessments for cognitive impairments, using tools endorsed by the National Institute on Aging. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2025, thereby expanding the scope of preventive care provided to Medicare beneficiaries.
While supporters herald the cognitive impairment detection benefit as a critical step toward improving health equity, critics might voice concerns regarding the potential strain on healthcare resources. The implementation of new screening processes could necessitate additional training for medical professionals and adjustments in operational structures within healthcare facilities. Furthermore, ensuring consistency in the application of these cognitive assessments across various healthcare settings could pose challenges, leading to disparities in service delivery.