New legislation has made Illinois the first state to mandate that state insurance plans provide coverage for FDA-approved medications that slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Thanks to unanimous passage and the governor’s signature, the bill aligns insurance practices with new developments in diagnosis and treatment. It also positions Illinois as a leader in evidence-based Alzheimer’s care.
Long-Awaited Coverage for Patients & Families
Alzheimer’s affects over 230,000 people in Illinois, and many couldn’t access the latest treatments – until now.
Insurance plans in Illinois will now cover both diagnostic testing tools and approved treatments for Alzheimer’s. The law also prohibits insurers’ step therapy, which could otherwise delay patients’ access to prescribed medications.
Removing barriers and accelerating access to treatment is important, because treatment can be most effective in the early stages of the disease.
The Growing Toll of Alzheimer’s
Rates of Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis across the country are rising. And with 10,000 baby boomers per day turning 65, that number will continue to climb. Timely diagnosis and treatment can preserve patients’ independence and reduce long-term care costs.
Illinois is setting a new standard, removing financial and administrative roadblocks that keep patients from getting crucial care when every day counts. This policy may serve as a model for other states.
As more diagnostics and treatments become available, consistent insurance coverage will be key to making them accessible – generating long-term systemic savings and improving patient health.
With early intervention now more within reach, Illinois has put patients first in the fight against this devastating disease.
