Opinion: Former Sen. Max Baucus: Breakthrough Alzheimer’s drugs are out of reach for many in rural states like Montana
Former Sen. Max Baucus: We must continue to forge a path to swift, affordable coverage for Alzheimer’s treatment for all Americans.
New treatments are delaying the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, giving people aging with memory decline the potential to live independently longer. But this benefit can only be fully realized if we ensure equitable access to care. Medicare’s policies are creating obstacles that make it more difficult for patients who are highly likely to benefit to obtain access to diagnosis and treatment. There is an opportunity to lead on this important issue as new tools enable us to transform aging.
In 2011, President Obama signed the National Alzheimer’s Project Act into law, establishing a national goal of preventing and effectively treating the disease by 2025. In his 2013 State of the Union address, he laid out a bold vision to fund and accelerate brain research: “If we want to make the best products, we also have to invest in the best ideas. Today, our scientists are mapping the human brain to unlock the answers to Alzheimer’s. Now is the time to reach a level of research and development not seen since the height of the Space Race.”
What's Your Reaction?
