CHANGE Act of 2023 Concentrating on High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End Act of 2023
If enacted, the CHANGE Act will mandate Medicare to incorporate cognitive impairment detection tools, as identified by the National Institute on Aging, within standard wellness checks. This is expected to not only streamline the process for diagnosing cognitive impairments but also facilitate better care planning, thereby improving the overall management of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Additionally, the bill anticipates addressing modifiable risk factors related to dementia, which could lead to preventive strategies reducing the incidence of cognitive decline among seniors, particularly those in vulnerable demographics such as elderly Black and Latino Americans.
The CHANGE Act of 2023, formally known as SB2379, seeks to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to enhance cognitive impairment detection during Medicare's annual wellness visits and initial preventive physical examinations. As the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease continues to rise, the bill aims to ensure that cognitive assessment becomes a standard part of routine healthcare for seniors, enabling earlier diagnosis and intervention. This legislative move is in response to alarming statistics highlighting a significant population affected by cognitive impairments, with projections indicating that nearly 13.8 million Americans could be living with Alzheimer's by 2060.
Despite its potential benefits, the CHANGE Act may face scrutiny regarding the adequacy of resources allocated for implementing such screenings and the training necessary for healthcare providers. Critics may argue that while adding cognitive impairment detection is crucial, there needs to be a sustainable plan to ensure that these services align with existing healthcare frameworks, and that the additional diagnostic requirements do not overwhelm an already strained system. Furthermore, the necessity of tailored approaches to reach diverse populations affected by Alzheimer's will be a critical discussion point as the bill progresses through legislative channels.